"Journey, This is Us!"
worship Series

What Does It Mean to be a Christian Community?

September 8
"A People of Hope" ​

(1 Peter 1:3-6
Psalm 40: 1-3)
For Christians, hope is like the air we breathe.  It’s that ongoing expectation, that what was promised in Christ over 2000 years ago will indeed be made real at any given moment.  We stand on tiptoes leaning toward the horizon, because we know that what God promised in Christ has already begun.  We “stand on tiptoes” when we look for where we see God at work every day, where we experience God’s extravagant grace in our lives, where we see the people around us already living like we expect to be in the Kin-dom of heaven.  We don’t know exactly what’s over the horizon for us, but whatever it is, we know it will be good! 

September 29
"Outward Looking"

(Matthew 25:31-46
John 3:16-17)
Jesus’s focus was not on himself and not only on the people closest to him.  Jesus was always seeking to be a blessing to other people even, and especially with, people he didn’t know.  Think of how he loved so greatly that he sacrificed his life for those he didn’t know, even you and me.
Seeking to be a blessing with a sacrificial love is a defining characteristic of the Christian life, not just toward ourselves, but beyond us.  How are we at Journey looking out and moving out into the world to bless others?

sEPTEMBER 15
"a tRUSTING pEOPLE"

(Jeremiah 17:5-8
Psalm 23: 1
Acts 1:6-8)
God trusts us to carry on the mission of Christ Jesus
We can trust God to equip us to do what God has asked us to do. We can trust one another to be committed to grow in our discipleship.  And because we are not perfect, the church must be diligent to confront things that happen in our community to undermine trust.  The foundation of our faith is trust in God & each other.


October 6
"Eager to Learn & Grow"

(Galatians 5:13-23)
One of the grounding statements of our purpose at Journey is, “We Grow Into God’s Word.”  What does this mean?  As Christians, we understand God’s Word as most fully revealed in the life, ministry, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  God’s Word teaches us not what to think or believe, but how to live in community with compassion, justice, and love.  It teaches us how to stay in love with God and with each other and the world around us.  In our journey of Christian faith, we begin as infants, and we mature in our faith over time.  This means that God has much in store for us, but we have to be willing to be stretched.  We will not understand who God is, how to live in faith, throughout our journey.   We grow and change and are blessed in doing so, and are a blessing to others. 

sEptember 22
"Inclusive & Diverse"

​(Ephesians 4:1-6
Galatians 3: 27-29)

Inclusivity and diversity are the hallmarks of hospitality. In the Gospels, Jesus goes about inviting all different kinds of people into the Kingdom.  And he confronted those who tried to boundaries that kept some people out.  When we draw lines that define who’s out and who’s in, we cut ourselves off from the very place we want to be—for this is the nature of the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed.  We are better because of our diversity.





October 13
"Built Around A Common Focus"

(Ephesians 4:11-16)
Putting it all together.  This scripture summarizes the purpose and character of the Christian life.  We demonstrate the Kingdom of God at hand by using our Spiritual gifts, built into our very character and given by God to bless others..  “We are a Christian community: Sharing love in service (with) to all people, as we grow into God’s word.   What is your part in building a world where love prevails and every person has a place and a purpose.  How will you Journey together as a Christian Community?