This week the staff spent some time together to commune together around our upcoming theme of Pursuing a Deeper Relationship with Jesus. Joseph Christopherson led us down the path of how godly transparency points people to Jesus, and isn’t a dumping ground for our bitterness or blame against others.
- Jesus calls us friends if we do what He commands us. John 15: 12-14
- Mary was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His Word: the good part (according to Jesus); while Martha was distracted with all her preparations, worried and bothered about so many things. Luke 10:38-42 Which are we?
- Jesus was transparent; remember him weeping in John 11:35? Transparency is the development of a relationship that could eventually cause us some pain.
- “Plastic People” are sung about in a Casting Crowns song called “Stained Glass Masquerade”, people who keep it all inside, feeling so small and an outsider.
- We can’t get to being transparently relational with walls up, or hiding behind masks. The goal of transparency is to show Christ in us, the Hope of Glory. Col.1:27
- “With You is the fountain of life” says Psalm 36:9. And part of “Christ in me” is tapping into “Christ in you”! People are attracted spiritually to Christians who are tapped into the river of life.
- Our prayer is “Draw Me Close to You” by Michael W. Smith.
