God's Dream: the Dream Killer: the Dream Fulfilled

1 What is the difference between being in community with a group of committed Christ-followers and just hanging out with a group of people (whether they are Christian or not)? 2 Read John 13:34-35. God’s dream is that we FIRST have rich community with HIM and then, secondly (and simultaneously) have rich community with others. Are you currently experiencing the type of community that Jesus is describing in John GOD’S DREAM: 13:34-35? 3 Remember the porcupine illustration? Lee talked about how our different “quills” Rich C______with Him and E______O______. like anger, jealously, selfishness or impatience can have a negative impact on our relationships with each other. What is your “quill” and how has it impacted your His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us close relationships and what do you need to do in order to “pull in” that quill? to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure. EPHESIANS 1:5 4 John Ortberg wrote a book titled, “Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them.” So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved The truth is that we are all abnormal in some way – yet, we are always surprised and you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that disappointed at each other’s quirks and failures. How well do you handle yourself you are my disciples. JOHN 13:34,35 when those close to you disappoint or fail you? 5 At CedarCreek, we believe that groups (LifeGroups, New Christian LifeGroups or Life THE DREAM KILLER: Support) are the place for spiritual growth to happen. Our groups are places for Christians to grow, encourage and serve each other. We are A______A______. 1. If you are in a group, share a significant experience that you’ve had in that group (even if it isn’t your current group). 2. If you aren’t in a group, why have you not joined one OR have you had a bad For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, experience in a previous group that you need to resolve? murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy,

slander, pride and foolishness. All these vile things come from within…MARK 7:21-23 6 Read Acts 2:42,44-46. Notice how all of the Christians were totally devoted to community? Here are a few questions to ask yourself when it comes to the For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. ROMANS 3:23 mega-question: “Am I devoted to Christ-Centered community?” 1. Am I experiencing the Bible (reading and discussing scripture) with other THE DREAM FULFILLED: Christ-followers? 2. Am I sharing my life experiences – both good and bad – with people I trust to care about me, pray for me and hold me accountable to living according to The G______Rule. God’s truth? 3. Am I regularly getting together with other Christ-followers to share meals Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is and spending time together and getting to know each other? taught in the law and the prophets. MATTHEW 7:12 NLT 4. Am I sharing prayer together regularly with other Christ-followers?

What is your next step to living out God’s dream for rich Christ-Centered Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better 7 community in your life? than yourselves. PHILIPPIANS 2:3

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. COLOSSIANS 3:13 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.

D______... JOHN 12:48 (New Living Translation) FEATURED SONGS All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and Set Fire to the Rain We Need Each Other ACTS 2:42 to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. by Adele by Sanctus Real Parts of today’s message taken from John Ortberg’s book, “Everybody is Normal, Until You Get to Know Them.” PB Lauren Miller W. TOL Krista Tebbing PB Jeff Harris W. TOL Nate Manuel All Scripture is from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted. S.TOL Emily Goldsmith WH Lindsey Payne S.TOL Cory Payne WH Ben Olin 1 What is the difference between being in community with a group of committed Christ-followers and just hanging out with a group of people (whether they are Christian or not)? 2 Read John 13:34-35. God’s dream is that we FIRST have rich community with HIM and then, secondly (and simultaneously) have rich community with others. Are you currently experiencing the type of community that Jesus is describing in John GOD’S DREAM: 13:34-35? 3 Remember the porcupine illustration? Lee talked about how our different “quills” Rich C______with Him and E______O______. like anger, jealously, selfishness or impatience can have a negative impact on our relationships with each other. What is your “quill” and how has it impacted your His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us close relationships and what do you need to do in order to “pull in” that quill? to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure. EPHESIANS 1:5 4 John Ortberg wrote a book titled, “Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them.” So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved The truth is that we are all abnormal in some way – yet, we are always surprised and you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that disappointed at each other’s quirks and failures. How well do you handle yourself you are my disciples. JOHN 13:34,35 when those close to you disappoint or fail you? 5 At CedarCreek, we believe that groups (LifeGroups, New Christian LifeGroups or Life THE DREAM KILLER: Support) are the place for spiritual growth to happen. Our groups are places for Christians to grow, encourage and serve each other. We are A______A______. 1. If you are in a group, share a significant experience that you’ve had in that group (even if it isn’t your current group). 2. If you aren’t in a group, why have you not joined one OR have you had a bad For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, experience in a previous group that you need to resolve? murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy,