Relationship Currency VS
Ritualistic Repetition
Recently, I read an article on About.com Guide By Elizabeth Scott,
M.S. and it really resonated with me.
I started to envision those
intimate moments between Jesus and the disciples leading up to the infancy
stage of the Church. Jesus was a social butterfly and his ability to connect
with people was incredible.
Jesus perfected what I believe is a
lost art in today’s institutionalized church, authentic relationships and “relationship
currency.”
Many of today’s churches continue
to witness the revolving door of church membership. Often times I have found
that the same love, compassion, mercy, grace, and spirit lead biblically sound
doctrine that many churches claim to preach appears to be disingenuous unto
it’s core audience the lost.
In fact many who consider Jesus to
be Lord, are born again (into the country of Heaven as citizens), and are (Sons
and Daughters of God) adopted into the family of God share this view of the church.
Attendance has dropped dramatically
and new convert numbers have decreased based on several studies concerning Christianity as a whole. New Books are written, old models and traditions are
recycled, and worldly corporate principles and methods are practiced in many of
today’s institutionalized churches.
The questions that often flee us today are WWJD ( what would Jesus do) and what is God’s will?
In my opinion the people we love,
trust, and admire most have the strongest impact and influence on our
lives. People trusted Jesus and felt
comfortable around him. We can trace his influence throughout the world and in
God’s written word. There are countless detailed accounts of the love and
admiration many people had for him during the time that he walked the earth.
The Disciples had the good fortune
of learning directly from the King of kings. Jesus created an atmosphere for
social support and community where all could find a sense of belonging. We also
know that Jesus was a great listener and assertive.
Jesus the great master teacher
cultivated a supportive kingdom community and an environment that enriched and
built up people.
For example Teachers, Couches, and Mentors generally
have a lasting impressing on Students, Athletes, and Mentees. The relationships described above are a
culmination of fostering trust and building relationship currency through
consistent support and service.
One cannot foster an authentic relationship through
artificial means. The problem is many of todays church institutions are
attempting to do just that.
Corporate methodology, commercialism, events, and a
variety of other means cannot replace relationship currency or the “God
factor.” I also believe that people can see through the disingenuous tactics
and artificial methodology of others.
No one desires to be a guinea pig, case study, or just
another space filler on your member roster.
Many have been turned off by the constant influx of
lies, manipulation and inconsistencies often found in many of the today’s church
institutions. We have all herd enough
horror stories concerning the church too realized that this isn’t just merely
speculation.
This is why we must fully embrace Jesus example as the model of the church. He taught us the value of both his Kingdom and fostering authentic relationships.
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God Sent Jesus
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
1 John 4:9-12
By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.
John 13:34-35
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Nothing can separate us from the Love of God
Romans 8:37-39
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We are Crucified in Christ
Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.
Bible Verses showing God's Love for Us
Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever; But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.
For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever; But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.
Proverbs 8:17
"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.
"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.
Deuteronomy 7:9
"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
1 John 3:1
See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
I pray these Bible Verses about God's Love will find a way into your heart.
Source:See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
I pray these Bible Verses about God's Love will find a way into your heart.
New American Standard Bible
by Ade
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Submitted by Michael Fackerell via http://www.christian-faith.com/forjesus/
1. In Jesus I have life and that life is the light of all men. (John 1:4)
2. In Jesus I have eternal life (John 3:15-16).
3. In Jesus I have been justified (Romans 3:24).
4. In Jesus I have peace with God (Romans 5:1).
5. In Jesus I am loved of God (Romans 5:8).
6. In Jesus I have an abundance of grace (Romans 5:17)
7. In Jesus I reign in life (Romans 5:17).
8. In Jesus I walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
9. In Jesus I am alive unto God (Romans 6:11).
10. In Jesus I bring forth fruits unto God (Romans 7:4).
11. In Jesus I have no condemnation (Romans 8:1).
12. In Jesus I have been made free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
13. In Jesus I live by the law of the Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2).
14. In Jesus I am a child of God (Romans 8:16).
15. In Jesus I am an heir of God (Romans 8:17).
16. In Jesus I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
17. In Jesus I freely receive all things from God (Romans 8:32).
18. In Jesus I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).
19. In Jesus nothing can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:38,39)
20. In Jesus I am sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:2).
21. In Jesus I am enriched with all knowledge ( 1 Corinthians 1:5)
22. In Jesus I have wisdom (1 Corinithians 1:30).
23. In Jesus I have righteousness (1 Corinithians 1:30).
24. In Jesus I have sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30).
25. In Jesus I have redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).
26. In Jesus I shall be resurrected (1 Corinithians 15:20-22).
27. In Jesus I have victory over death (1 Corinithians 15:57).
28. In Jesus all the promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" to me (2 Corinthians 1:20).
29. In Jesus I am established (2 Corinthians 1:21).
30. In Jesus I am anointed of God (2 Corithians 1:21)
31. In Jesus I always triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14).
32. In Jesus I am a sweet fragrance to God (2 Corinthians 2:15).
33. In Jesus my mind is renewed and enlightened (2 Corinthians 3:14).
34. In Jesus I am a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17).
35. In Jesus I have the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).
36. In Jesus I am an ambassador for God (2 Corinthians 5:20).
37. In Jesus I am made the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
38. In Jesus I live by the power of God (2 Corinthians 13:4).
39. In Jesus I have liberty (Galatians 2:4).
40. In Jesus I am redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13).
41. In Jesus I have the blessing of Abraham (Galatians 3:14).
42. In Jesus I am a son of God (Galatians 4:7).
43. In Jesus I have faith which works by love (Galatians 5:6).
44. In Jesus I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).
45. In Jesus I have been chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
46. In Jesus I am accepted of God (Ephesians 1:6).
47. In Jesus I have the life of God (Ephesians 2:5).
48. In Jesus I now sit in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
49. In Jesus I have the exceeding riches of God's grace and kindness (Ephesians 2:7).
50. In Jesus I am His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
51. In Jesus I am created for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
52. In Jesus I am built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22).
53. In Jesus I have boldness and access with confidence before God (Ephesians 3:12).
54. In Jesus I am a shining light (Ephesians 5:8).
55. In Jesus I am strong in the power of God's might (Ephesians 6:10).
56. In Jesus I have the high calling of God (Philippians 3:14).
57. In Jesus I do not worry (Philippians 4:6).
58. In Jesus I have the peace of God which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
59. In Jesus I have the peace of God which guards my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
60. In Jesus I have strength (Philippians 4:13).
61. In Jesus I can do all things (Philippians 4:13).
62. In Jesus all my needs are met according to God's riches in glory (Philippians 4:19)
63. In Jesus I have been delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13).
64. In Jesus I have been translated into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13).
65. In Jesus I have redemption through His blood (Colossians 1:14).
66. In Jesus I have forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14).
67. In Jesus I am reconciled to God (Colossians 1:20).
68. In Jesus I have all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
69. In Jesus I am made complete and perfect (Colossians 2:10).
70. In Jesus my life is hid with Him in God (Colossians 3:3).
71. In Jesus I have abundant love (1 Timothy 1:14).
72. In Jesus I have obtained salvation with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:10).
73. In Jesus I am saved to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).
74. In Jesus I have eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).
75. In Jesus I have an eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:12).
76. In Jesus I am made perfect in every good work to do His will (Hebrews 13:21).
77. In Jesus I have abundant mercy from God (1 Peter 1:3).
78. In Jesus I have a lively hope (1 Peter 1:3).
79. In Jesus I have joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8).
80. In Jesus I am a holy priest of God (1 Peter 2:5).
81. In Jesus I am settled (1 Peter 5:10).
82. In Jesus I have fellowship with all believers (1 John 1:7).
83. In Jesus I have received the anointing which teaches me all things (1 John 2:27).
84. In Jesus I have the Spirit of God (1 John 3:24).
85. In Jesus I have overcome the devil, the flesh and the world (1 John 4:4).
86. In Jesus God dwells in me. (1 John 4:15).
87. In Jesus I have the love of God (1 John 4:16).
88. In Jesus I have no fear (1 John 4:18).
89. In Jesus I overcome the world (1 John 5:4).
90. In Jesus I have victory (1 John 5:4).
91. In Jesus I have understanding (1 John 5:20).
92. In Jesus I know God (1 John 5:20).
How and Why You Should
Maintain Friendships
Maintaining Friendships for Stress
Relief, Happiness and Longevity
By Elizabeth Scott,
M.S., About.com Guide
Updated May 27, 2012
Friends add a wonderful dimension to our lives: they
help us celebrate the good times, and they help us make it through the tough
times. Having a strong, supportive social network has been associated with
lower levels of stress, increased longevity, and greater levels of happiness.
Learn more about the value of social support, and find resources for developing
a stronger friendship network, with the following articles:
• How To Create Supportive Relationships: All
social support is not created equal. Here is what you need to know to create
mutually supportive, enduring, truly healthy friendships that will bring you
support, opportunity for personal growth, and stress management benefits. Find
out why it's important to develop listening skills, your intuition, assertiveness, and other skills that can pay
off with increased social support, healthy friendships, and a sense of
belonging.
•
• How To Cultivate A Supportive Circle of Friends:
Numerous research studies have shown that supportive friendships can provide
emotional help during stressful times and even improve our health and increase
longevity. Learn the numerous stress management and health benefits a circle of
friends provides, and discover how to begin expanding your number of supportive
friendships.
•
• Assertive Communication:
Assertiveness is a skill that not only helps with marriage and interpersonal
relationships, but can reduce stress and help you attain more balance at home,
at work and in life. Learn more about assertiveness, aggressiveness and passivity, and see how
assertiveness training can improve your life.
•
Letting Go of Relationships that Stress You:
Letting go of a relationship is never easy. We gain so much from friends and
loved ones, that we often hold onto relationships that are no longer good for
us out of habit or loyalty. Read why negative relationships
can actually harm you, and find a step-by-step plan to help you decide where to
draw the line in letting go of a relationship that is no longer good for you.
•
How To Improve Your Relationships With Healthy
Communication: Social support is a great stress reliever, but
relationships can also be a major source of stress. As conflict is virutally
inevitable in any relationship, here are ten important tips on managing
conflict in a respectful way that yields positive results, rather than damaging
your connection and causing additional stress.
