Michael Bouterse

4. A Community of Evangelism | Michael Bouterse

4. A Community of Evangelism

Often it's assumed there's a tension between a community that is inwardly focused—concerned with the needs of insiders—and outwardly focused—concerned with the needs of outsiders. But Christian community is both at the same time. When Christians love, serve, and build each other up, the result is a community that showcases the love of God to a lost and hurting world, or in other words, a community that is inherently evangelistic. Passages cited in this message include Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:6-8; Isaiah 2:2-4; Ephesians 2:6-7, 10; 3:10; Matthew 5:14-16; John 13:35; and 1 Peter 2:12.

2. A Community of Grace | Michael Bouterse

2. A Community of Grace | Michael Bouterse

2. A Community of Grace

Salvation by grace is the crucial foundation of Christianity, distinguishing it from all other world religions. But how does grace affect community? The famous parable of the prodigal sons shows that sin and self-righteousness inevitably destroy community but that the grace of God creates community—a community marked by love, diversity, and humility. Passages cited in this message include Luke 15:11-32, Romans 15:7, Romans 14:13, Ephesians 4:2, Ephesians 4:32, Isaiah 53:6, and Joel 3:13.