following Jesus together… We're pursuing a Jesus-Centered Life where we abide in Him, follow His teachings, and re-present Him clearly to those around us. Hebrews 12:1 & 2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Matthew 16:24 (Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23) Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” 1 Peter 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Define following Jesus together What we are not talking about… - Cultural Christianity - Your Salvation Status - Your Spiritual Gifts / Potential What We are talking about… An active and ongoing commitment to build my life on the life of Jesus It is a choice where my big YES is expressed through ten thousand little ones. It is a choice I am required to make daily for a lifetime Jesus-Centered Life Abide in His Presence // Seeking Him First Practice His Ways // Obeying His Teachings Represent Him Clearly // Sharing His Love Order of Operations/Priority in Common Western Church Culture Get Everyone to Big Church Break Up Into Small Groups Catch a Few in a Discipleship Program Encourage People to Try to Follow Jesus I am not saying that this way is wrong… But I am saying, that we are intentionally prioritizing cultivating a Jesus-Centered Life at a cellular level. This means that instead of a top down model, we are prioritizing personal spiritual formation that is focuses on seeing every individual growing towards a more Jesus-Centered life. Our aim is to see each person grow to a place where they are: Developing a Radical Responsibility for Root of Our Own Faith Following Jesus in the Midst of a Few Real Relationships Sharing Life from House to House Embracing Life as a Collective Community Engaging the Life of Jesus Beyond Ourselves (in the Body of Christ and in the world around us.) Questions for Prayer and Fasting - Would you consider setting aside time to pray and fast during the month of September (10 Days) and seek the Lord about these questions and prayer points? Guiding Questions Are there places in my life where other people, ambitions or things have crept into the throne room of my heart? (Personal repentance) Are there places where we have lost a healthy tension in our understanding of our individual // collective journey’s together with the Lord? Are there people in my life that God wants me to be more intentional with in terms of sharing my life with? Prayer Points For God’s wisdom to know the best rhythms and priorities to cultivate strength and growth for our church family. 1. How we can focus on seeing more people feeling confident to invest in discipling others. 2. How we can encourage every person to discover Jesus in the midst of healthy relationships. 3. How we can foster healthy, accessible simple churches that provide a place of growth and belonging. 4. How we can establish the right collective rhythms that strengthen and encourage our church family. 5. How we can further relationships with those around us to see the good news of Jesus spread.