The Outlet Community
We are a life-giving community that promotes authentic relationships.
The Outlet is a place where the curious, the unconvinced, the skeptical, the use-to-believe, the broken, as well as the committed, informed, and sold-out come together around the truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Pastor Vince Thomas, Jr.
We Are Here, Part 3
John 17:20-23
The Power of Community
1. God is forever loves us and is with us - We are Never Alone
2. The ability to give and receive grace
3. Fulfills Jesus’ prayer that we would live together in unity
The Power of Community is the Inside Track to Growth and Maturity as a believer.
The Inside Track to Growth and Maturity is learning to:
1. Receive life through intimacy and time spent with God in prayer and study of His word
2. Give Yourself Grace
3. Develop in authentic relationships with those who are inside and outside of the church
John 17:20-21 NLT
We Were Created for Community
Genesis 1:26 NLT
NOTES FROM GENESIS 1:26
- God created the world with unity. “Elohim” is a noun that is plural yet One.
- ”They will reign” means we have the most influence when life is lived beyond our own self interests.
Genesis 2:18-24 NLT
NOTES FROM GENESIS 2:18
- "alone": Hebrew word bad hu meaning self-centered and isolated
- God saw mankind would resort to isolation, self-centeredness without living in godly purpose.
- "helper": introduction of Holy Spirit. We as unskilled workers partner with a skilled worker (Holy Spirit) to provide manual labor.
Lessons From Creation
1. God is the Source of our help
2. Purpose was created as the answer to living in isolation and self-centered.
3. We grow in the context of human relationships.
Growing in Community
John 17:22-23 NLT
John 15:9-13 NLT
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King
Where do I begin?
- Become a person of character (The Outlet Core Traits http://www.theoutletcommunity.com/values/)
- Live present and in the moment - show up and start with what you can do now
- Look for ways to generously give of your time, talent, and treasure
Reflection + Discussion
1. Is it tougher to give or is it tougher to receive God's grace for you personally? Explain your answer.
2. What is one way that you would be able to take time for yourself this week both naturally and spiritually?
3. Find 3 scriptures on how much God love you to constantly think about for the purpose of building yourself as you receive God's grace for your life.
