FirstThingsFirst

JR. Forasteros - September 14, 2014

Love is the Hardest Path

Branches

If we choose to be in circles with those who're different from us, we run into a problem: how do we react when those explosive issues arise? Whether it's abortion, gay marriage, alcohol, gun control or something else, many issues can potentially divide the Church. In Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he advises them on a similarly divisive issue: when faced with division, choose love, not judgment. According to Paul, knowledge puffs us up, but love builds us up.

From Series: "Branches"

No matter how much we enjoy the weekend worship experience, sooner or later, we stop growing. That's because we need more than great music and an engaging message. We need to connect with other people who are on the same journey as us. Learning we're not alone as we try to follow Jesus changes everything, and that's what Branches is all about. In a Branches group, you'll find people who've been where you are, who know the joys and pains of building relationships, work and figuring out your calling, raising a family, leaving a lasting legacy. They're people you can join with in figuring out exactly how the new life Jesus offers us changes our whole world. If that sounds too good to be true, it's not. Becoming part of a small group is the single best way to pursue a thriving, life-changing relationship with God. This is Branches. And big things happen in small groups.

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We ended 2012 in the Revelation, exploring how Jesus’ coming into our lives is the End of the World as we know it. But if Jesus’ coming is the End, it’s also a new beginning. Jesus’ death and resurrection reconnect us with God, open up a world that has been lost to us since Sin entered into the world. So to kick off 2013, we’re going to dive into Genesis 1-2. We’ll explore God’s original intentions for the world, and the implications for our new life in Jesus. After all, in the new year, it’s good to get the First Things First!

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