SERMON SERIES: OSMOSIS

Our ability (and desire) to connect with others is a part of our DNA as humans. This social capacity is wonderful, but there’s something we should keep in mind: an inevitable transfer of ideas, values, and emotional energy happens between us and the person or people with whom we connect.

It’s like osmosis; God designed us with permeable membranes. This transfer can strengthen us or weaken us, depending on who we invite into our lives on a relational level.

PART 1: BRINGING ME DOWN

Most parents can attest to the truth of the apostle Paul’s warning: “Bad company corrupts good character.” They’ve seen this reality play out in the lives of their children. But what about adults? Does the same thing hold true? And what about Jesus’ call for us to love and be friends to those who are far from God? Does that conflict with Paul’s counsel? In this message, we’ll seek to reconcile the charge to protect our hearts with the charge to love sinners.

3/10/13 Speaker: Justin Gerhardt

PART 2: LIKE FATHER...

Our ‘permeable membrane’ doesn’t just apply to our human relationships; when we spend time with our Heavenly Father (who created us in his relational image), we become more like him. In this lesson, we’ll take time time to briefly explain what a “relationship” with God actually looks like and involves, since this is terminology many irreligious people have heard but have a very difficult time understanding.

3/17/13 Speaker: John Cooper

PART 3: HOLD UP MY ARMS

Over and over again in Scripture, God points us to recognize and leverage the power of Christian community in our lives. When we connect with wise people who love God, we find ourselves well-counseled, encouraged, and inspired. In light of this, we should strive to pursue meaningful relationships with other believers. 

3/24/13  Speaker: Justin Gerhardt