For Our Neighbor Teaching Series
Often the church is known for what it’s against rather than what it’s for. If this is true, it’s no wonder people don’t want to have anything to do with church.
Jesus said His people would be known by their love. We will be a community of people who love with our actions and serve our community with no strings attached. Listen or watch the teachings from this series to learn what it truly means to be for our neighbor.
Change the Label
As Christians, we have labels assigned to us by the world — hypocritical, convert-focused, judgmental. Pastor Andy Wood explores how we can change these labels by loving, serving, and praying for our community. It starts with loving the people within our walls and echos out to our church, our community, and our world.
Key Scripture
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:34
Line up Words with Actions
Pastor Andy Wood continues the teaching series by examining the key truth that our actions must back up our words. We are known by what we do, and Christians should be known for their abundant love for their neighbors.
Key Scripture
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? — James 2:14
Find Common Ground
God is for all people, so we should be too. To do so, it helps to find common ground — and followers of Jesus should lead the way in conversations toward finding it. Pastor Filipe Santos explores four practical mindsets we can leverage to find that common ground, and in turn, be for all people.
Key Scripture
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility … — Ephesians 2:14
How Will We be Known?
Having a heart for God is directly correlated with our desire to care for the poor, the marginalized, and the lost. Philip Pattison, director of Foster the Bay, discusses three commitments we can make to help us define how we are known by the world — as generous, hospitable, compassionate followers of Christ.
Key Scripture
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. — Isaiah 1:17