Core Training
2 Peter 1:5-8
1/8/17
INTRODUCTION
Core training has become a fitness buzzword. A muscular and well-defined core shows both strength and health. Striving to have a good core is a part of most work out programs.
Abdominals, Obliques, Intercostals,
Core Values
Core values are the fundamental beliefs of a person or organization. ... Core values can help people to know what is right from wrong; they can help organizations to determine if they are on the right path and fulfilling their goals; and they create an unwavering and unchanging guide. Those values we hold which form the foundation on which we perform work and conduct ourselves.
AT THE CMACHURCH WE BELIEVE THAT SEVERAL CORE VALUES HELP THAT DEFINE OUR BEING IN CHRIST.
These are the things that we expect to see rub off on others, the things we expected to be polished in us in our journey together with Jesus.
In last year's annual message, we identified them as these 6 things
I. cmaChurch core Values
ACTS 1:8 Family
A. Divine Intimacy
We value people going deep in a real and thriving relationship God through Jesus Christ. We go out of our way to challenge people to drink deep of the water of life, to be every changed, constantly discovering more and more in their Journey with Jesus. This intimacy is discovered through the study of his word and by experiencing the power of prayer.
B. Active Repentance
We value active repentance. Sin is big deal. Jesus died not just to forgive us our sins, but to free us from sin. We value a lifestyle in which repentance leads to freedom from our past. Stories of people turning from sin and embracing new streams of grace are treasured.
C. H.S. Dependency
We value the indwelling presence and work of the Holy Spirit. The life we are called to live, the purpose we are destined to pursue is not possible without his transforming work in our lives. Without His presence and power in our lives we will never fulfill our calling and purpose.
D. Total Life Stewardship
God has a lien on every aspect of who we are, not just our finances, but time, our relationships, our commitments, our possessions, our resources, our families. Everything we have, everything we are is his. We value a life style which total life stewardship is characterized.
E. Passionate Purpose
As an Acts 1:8 family we recognize that each of us is designed by god to fulfill specific roles and purposes. We value a lifestyle where those callings are pursued with passion. Those passions are a lifelong pursuit, not merely the dreams of the young, but also the lifeblood of the seniors in our midst.
F. Genuine Relationships
As an Acts 1:8 family we value real, authentic relationships--relationships that are developed over time and treasured for a life time. The development of such relationship exists as an ongoing priority in our lives.
As we begin this year, once again we're going to look at the core values of following Jesus which we hope are more and more reflected in our experience as the cmaChurch. Why?
II. Why teach on core values?
A. They explain, review and reinforce what we are all about?
1 Cor 1:22-23
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
B. They give us a reasonable metric for evaluation.
Rev. 2:2-5
2 "'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
C. They help us cast the right shadow.
1 Thess 1:5
5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
D. They identify role models in our midst.
1 Thess 1:5-7
5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
E. They highlight needed areas for growth and renewal.
2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
III. So How do I get the most out of Core Teaching?
A. Envision the plumb line
Amos 7:7-8
7 This is what he showed me: behold, the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. 8 And the Lord said to me, "Amos, what do you see?" And I said, "A plumb line." Then the Lord said,
"Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them;
B. Expect to be stretched
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
C. Take Action
1 Thess 1:8-10
8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
SUMMARY
Training on the core values of follow Christ helps define our Journey with Jesus.
CHALLENGE
Where do you begin? Pray the Core Values. Pray that they will be growing realities for yourself, for the church.
Divine Intimacy
Active Repentance
H.S. Dependency
Total Life Stewardship
Passionate Purpose
Genuine Relationships
