walking christian life

1. COMMUNITY Lesson 12

2. COMMUNITY Based on man Reason to exist: “ We must make a name for ourselves” (human wisdom and pride) Effect: Dispersion, lack of unity.

3. Besides, the pride laying on a structure like that would keep unity for the execution of other heathen plans. According to the divine plan, men should have maintained unity through true religion. When idolatry and polytheism broke that inner spiritual bond, the unity of religion and the spirit of fraternity disappeared. A design like that tower was doomed to failure, as it intended to keep the internal unity that had disappeared by external means.” SDA Biblical Commentary, vol. 1, Gen. 11:4 “ The Tower of Babel was designed for being a monument to the superior wisdom and the skill of its builders... The wish of achieving renown was one of the impelling reasons for building that tower.

4. COMMUNITY Based on God Reason to exist: Proclaiming the Gospel. Effect: Unity.

5. “ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” 1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV

6. PRIVILEGES OF BELONGING TO THE CHURCH COMMUNITY

7. PRIVILEGES OF BELONGING TO THE CHURCH COMMUNITY Being part of the body of Christ . Having a place in the community . Being saints (called and set apart by God) Caring about each other, physically and spiritually . Loving one another. Being called sons of God .

8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF BELONGING TO THE CHURCH COMMUNITY

9. RESPONSIBILITIES OF BELONGING TO THE CHURCH COMMUNITY Showing love to others (John 13: 34 ) “ And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5: 14 NIV ) Praying for one another (1 Thessalonians, 5: 17 ) Don’t stop gathering (Heb. 10: 25) Preaching the Gospel with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3: 15 ) Contributing with our tithes and offerings (1 Corinthians 16: 2 ) Seeking unity (Romans 12: 16 )

10. If Jesus redeemed us to God from every tribe, tongue, people and nation (Revelation 5: 9), we must achieve unity without losing individuality here, on Earth. UNITY

11. “ If we draw nigh to God, we shall draw nigh to one another. We cannot draw nigh to the same cross without coming into unity of spirit. Christ prayed that His disciples should be one as He and the Father are one. We should seek to be one in spirit and in understanding. We should seek to be one that God may be glorified in us as He was glorified in the Son, and God will love us as He loves His Son” E.G.W. (That I May Know Him, p. 246) HOW TO ACHIEVE UNITY

12. Our community is founded on the ROCK JESUS

13. A SSOCIATE truth – Why should I study this lesson? D ISCOVER truth – What does the Bible say about this truth? A PPLY truth – How can this truth affect my life today? P LAN using the truth – How can I use this truth today? T RANSFER truth to life – What changes do I need in my life ? Effective for SMALL GROUPS Slideshare.net/chucho1943 ADAPT it! Teaching Approach