Click to download the audio version of “Introduction Part 1: Following Gods Holistic Vision in Ministry”

Hello ILF team,

We are so excited to start this new holistic education series and even more excited that so many of you showed interest to take part in it. We pray and hope that the Holy Spirit may give us wisdom, open hearts and receptive minds as we delve into exploring God’s vision for us individually, our ministry and our community.

Friends, there is an indescribable quality about a ministry committed to living out the gospel that lifts our soul and encourages us to Engage, Equip, Empower and Serve the ILF communities in the name Jesus and his sacrificial love for all.

But, before we start these studies, it is important that we define what the term “holistic ministry” means and what we feel God’s holistic vision is for our ministry in particular.

God’s Holistic vision for ILF ministry

When we started our ministry in Sierra Leone back in 2016, we noticed a difference on how many ministries approach their Christian mission. Missionaries supported by Christian organizations who mainly believe that preaching the Gospel is powerful enough to transform the condition of poverty and therefore make social ministries irrelevant. We also noticed organizations who believe that what is needed is action “by Christian ministries along with involving kindhearted people” to tackle the problems of the communities, to heal the sick, and to bring hope to the hopeless.

I’m sure you agree that these are both, God honoring approaches that may address community needs in parts, either spiritually through evangelical crusades, planting churches and preaching the Gospel, or humanitarian through Social action such as building schools, providing hygiene, medical aid, education, food supply, etc.

By definition, a holistic ministry does not separate the spiritual transformation and social action. Instead, it attends to every dimension of human need and pursue wholeness at every level of the individuals and their communities. It relies on the power of God’s Spirit and model a ministry that follows Christ’s example.

Jesus says in John 14:12-13 “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” In short, as His body, we are to carry on the works that Jesus did when He was on earth.

What if we chose to minister holistically just as Jesus did. Leaving the burden of selecting one method over the other to God and allow the spirit of Christ to guide us into both physical and emotional healing, lead us in transformation of spiritual, social and economic relationships. What if we could offer a reconciliation and peace that will overcome divisions. What if we could, in a spirit of genuine and authentic love of God, come alongside the communities as a friend rather than a hero. To engage and equip the communities with a spirit that has God’s glory, His honor and His vision at its core. This, my friends, is what we believe God’s holistic vision is for ILF ministry.

In the upcoming sessions, we will be discussing these fundamental values in our ministry every week and how the presence of the Spirit should be felt in our ministry and all we do, so we can bring renewal, growth, and transformation both within ILF team and extending into the community.

ILF Holistic Core Values

We believe that a body of holistic believers is Spiritually Dynamic, understands God’s vision, nurtures Healthy Community Dynamics, and promotes Holistic Ministry Practice.

1. Spiritually Dynamic
   • Centers community life around passionate worship of the trinity, celebrating salvation by grace through faith in Christ, and relying on the power of God’s Spirit for fruitful ministry.
   • Is led by the authority of Word of God and is grounded in the teachings of Christian belief.
   • Nurtures the community in a deepening spiritual life of worship, prayer, study, and mutual discipleship.
   • Shares God’s self-sacrificial love for those who are lost, lonely, vulnerable, and broken, and cultivates a commitment toward outreach as an expression of worship.
   • Serves one another in tangible and purposeful ways with Christ as the ultimate example.

2. Understanding of God’s Vision
   • Integrates discipleship, evangelism, and social action, working toward a kingdom vision that brings together spiritual and social transformation.
   • Recognizes both the individual and systemic sources of problems and solutions.
   • Supports a holistic involvement, going beyond relief to community development and justice.
   • Sees mission as a global ministry (caring for neighbors in our community and around the world).

3. Healthy Community Dynamics
   • Nurtures loving, accountable, reconciling relationships within the community, intentionally working toward oneness in Christ to remove division.
   • Ministry leaders are upheld with vision, courage, integrity, and a passion for holistic mission.
   • Places every area of individual and community life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, without distinction between “sacred” and “secular.”

4. Holistic Ministry Practice
   • Ministers in a spirit of authentic love and servant-leadership, that looks to come alongside the community as a friend rather than a hero.
   • Pursues unity in ministry with other believers and serves alongside all through whom God is at work.
   • Seeks Jesus through prayer for vision, through challenges, and in thanksgiving.

At the end, may I close today’s session praying a verse that is part of our ministry’s statement of faith.

James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only”

“Father, would you help every member of your body, especially the members of Impact A life Foundation to be the doers of your word and not hearers only. Lord, you say hearing is like looking in the mirror and forgetting the doing. And not doing is like walking away and forgetting. God, would you hold our hands in this journey of doing. Would you guide us, would you lead us. Would you give us the obedience and the courage to follow you. Would you Empower and Equip this team of ILF so we may have the boldness to Engage and the zeal to Serve the communities in Mankneh, Mamaso and beyond. In Jesus name, Amen”

Click to download the audio version of “Introduction Part 2: Holistic Ministry Practice”

Hello ILF Team,

This is Anthony and I hope that you are all safe during this season of corona virus.  I know this is a challenging time, but we are thinking about you and praying for God’s protection over you and your families daily.

Today we will be discussing the first Holistic Ministry Practice: Holistic Ministry relies on the power of God’s Spirit for fruitful outreach and modeling ministry after Christ’s example.

So what does the Bible say about Jesus and His ministry? What does the Bible say about God’s Holy Spirit?  When we look to scripture, we see that Jesus walked as God, but also as a man.  He walked in perfect relationship with God the Father, showing the love of God to all He met.

In Matthew, chapter 22:36-40, Jesus is asked by an expert of the religious law “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hold on to these two commandments.”

The life and ministry of Jesus was the perfect example of loving God the Father and loving others.  A few weeks ago, we discussed how Holistic Leadership shares God’s self-sacrificial love for those who are lost, lonely, vulnerable and broken.  We looked at how Jesus led by showing love, respect and compassion for everyone he came in contact with, regardless of their social status.  Holistic Ministry is no different.  As followers of Jesus Christ in Sierra Leone or in America, we are all called to show that same respect, love and compassion toward everyone in all areas of life.  This love is to be shown to those in need, in our community, at home and when working and ministering in areas where the people may not know Jesus.  Holistic Ministry is loving the whole person the way Christ did, so that He will be glorified.  To be effective in our outreach and ministry, we can’t do this on our own.  We need to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the book of John, Jesus takes a moment to remind his disciples that they will not be alone when he is gone. He tells them that He will send someone to help them: The Holy Spirit.

John 14:15-17 “If you love me, keep my commands.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirt of truth.  The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.  But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

Then in verses 26 and 27, Jesus goes on to say “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Then if we look to the Book of Acts, Acts 1:8, Jesus says “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Now why did Jesus promise the Holy Spirit to those who followed Him?  You see Jesus knew that his disciples would need the power of the Holy Spirit in them, that is God’s Spirit, if they were to be faithful, steadfast and effective in their walk with God and in their ministry.  When the Holy Spirit is living in us and we allow His power to work through us:

• He is our ‘advocate’ (some translations say He is a ‘comforter’ or ‘helper’)
• He reveals truth (scripture refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirt of Truth)
• He is there to teach us
• He is there to remind us of things we’ve been taught
• He grows the following attributes in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Fruits of the Spirit = Galatians 5:22-23)
• He is there to give us the same power that He gave that gave to the disciples, to go out and be effective witnesses for the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

So again, today’s Holistic Ministry principle is: Holistic Ministry relies on the power of God’s Spirit for fruitful outreach and modeling ministry after Christ’s example.

In a few words, share how the Holy Spirit is working in you.  Explain how He is helping you, as you are sharing Jesus and the love of Jesus, by ministering to the needs of others.

Click to download the audio version of “Dynamic Spirituality: Part 1”

Let’s look at two areas today: Passionate worship and Reliance on the Spirit for ministry.

What is worship? Worship is our response, both personal and together, to God for who He is, and what He has done; expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live.

As the leaders of ILF, it is the responsibility of each of us to demonstrate our love for Jesus, our response to His love for us, to those around us. We are visual demonstrations of God’s love! And this cannot be demonstrated through us unless Jesus is active in us. This is a continuous process of daily repentance, seeking Jesus through his word and prayer and acting in love regardless of our circumstances. That is worship!

Paul makes it clear in Romans 12:1, “I appeal to you, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship” John 4:23

The action of worship, despite our circumstances, is impossible in our own strength. It requires us to rely on the Spirit every minute of the day. Friends, my heart is sinful. The Spirit, the equal part of the Trinity, draws us to humility. Humility both before God and each other. Confession that we are all sinners saved by the grace of God. The Spirit calls us to intimacy, Read Psalms 63:1-11! Because the Spirit resides in each of you, as you seek Jesus, your intimacy with each other will naturally grow.

Much like each of us cannot grow in Christ and fulfill our purpose in life without Jesus, ILF cannot lead communities in faith, love and grace without active worship and reliance on the Spirit. Nothing any leader of ILF says or teaches is as important of their demonstration of love for Jesus, each other and those they serve.

John 15:4-6: 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

What is your personal understanding of this verse?

What does it mean for you as a fellow worshipper of Jesus?

What does it mean for all of us in ILF?

Click to download the audio version of “Dynamic Spirituality: Part 2”

When ILF was formed, it was built on the truth that ALL of scripture is of God and that God’s word has authority over every aspect in this ministry. What I mean is this: everything we aim to do, is based on and in line with the Bible’s teachings.

As ministers of the gospel, as each of you are, we have this in common, the Bible is our foundational document. The Bible is the living Word of God because it is the message given to us from the living God. Hebrews states, “for the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit… and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (4:12). The God who is alive works in this world through His living Word in partnership with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). Jesus spoke of the life-giving property of His words: “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

The Bible is God’s special revelation to man and contains all we need to know to live a life that pleases God in obedience and righteousness as well as to lead in a godly manner (2 Tim 3:14-16). This is directly related to ILF. Every obstacle that we face, every challenge ahead of us, every joy and every suffering should be tested by the word of God. Psalms 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

And the world is watching! We are all are reflections of God and the proof of what is written. How we respond to conflict, unjust actions, discipline, pain, sorrow, will guide the world’s understanding of Jesus himself. Following God’s plan outlined in His word, making sure we are in line with God’s teachings, this is how the world will see Jesus through all circumstance, good or bad and give glory to God.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous” Joshua 1:8

How has the Bible guided you personally in your role in ILF?

How can you apply the word to your everyday life?

Click to download the audio version of “Holistic Understanding of God’s Vision: Part 1”

Focus Area: Pursues a ministry vision that integrates discipleship, evangelism, and social action, working toward a kingdom vision that brings together spiritual and social transformation.

I have a 10-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son. As their father and someone who loves them dearly, I spend a great deal of time before God praying for Him to build their character, to encourage them, to give them perseverance through hardships and mostly, that they would have a renewed love for Jesus every day as they grow older. We talk everyday about how Bible relates to their everyday problems, we pray together, study scripture, and talk about the character of Jesus. But as I look at their development, I notice something; that while studying, praying and teaching of the Word is highly important, they learn the most from everyday application of the Bible in everyday activities and problem solving. They are learning that Jesus is present not only in church or when I sit them down to talk about Christ, but in every task they work at, every social situation they find themselves, every moment of every day.

As a team of leaders in ILF, we have talked a great deal about the coming together of Christian ministry and social action (programs, school, farming, etc.). We know without a doubt that Jesus cares about how the gospel impacts every aspect of your lives. This is why the Bible tells us to “cast all our care on God, for He cares for you” (1 peter 5:7) and “my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ” (Philippines 4:19). There are many examples of Jesus healing or working, when he could have been teaching in a church setting. But Jesus knew that the example of servant leadership, as Roland shared with us last week, and demonstrating the love of God had an important role in people coming into salvation and for the building of discipleship.

Just think of the calling of his disciples. When Simon Peter and a few others were fishing. They did not catch anything all night long, then, when they were weary, they came up to the shore and Jesus met them there. He told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and when they did this, they brought in more fish than they could handle (John 21)! Jesus could have just told them to follow him, that God loves them, and here are a few bible verses to back it up. But he did not, he chose to use work to bring them closer to God.

It’s intentional that Jesus asks the disciples to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. He’s making a clear distinction between effort and faith-filled-effort. Make no mistake, effort is always a part of the process. But how much more free and enjoyable and fruitful are our effort is when paired with faith!

So let’s look at this practically. What does it actually look like to integrate the gospel into everyday life.

Teachers: think of the opportunity you have to demonstrate the gospel! When children become undisciplined or do something that provokes anger, will they see the gospel through your response? And when you make a mistake (as we all do!), you have the opportunity to demonstrate the biblical principle of humility, seeking forgiveness from your students. Demonstrate the power of prayer, allow their young minds to experience your passion for Jesus. How does He relate to writing? To math? To play?

Headmaster, nurse, security, secretary: Let us look for opportunities to show Jesus through grace, humility, truthfulness, and care for others when it is not convenient, when it takes a sacrifice of our time, or effort. What did Jesus do when he was walking down the road? He stopped to rub dirt in someone’s eyes to bring sight! To pray with people, to love when he did not have to love!

Farming: Jesus spoke about farming many times. Some examples of how Jesus started a story: “a good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit,” “a sower went out to sow”, “consider a grain of wheat,” and so on. Jesus used everyday life to teach and show gospel principles. Are the farmers in ILF led fields understanding not only that God created the field, but that he is loving them through the provision of it?

Every day is an opportunity to engage and demonstrate the gospel to our communities and those around them. The holy Spirit in each one of us shines brightly through our distinct roles in ILF. Matthew 5:14-16 states “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

My prayer for you today is that you will use whatever your role is to engage the world by showing Jesus through work AND action.

Please take a moment to pray, then a moment to listen to what Jesus may speak to you. Then please share that with the group.

Remember that we love and miss you all. We look forward to hearing your responses and may God bless each one of you this week.

Click to download the audio version of “Holistic Understanding of God’s Vision: Part 2”

Focus Area: Recognizes both the individual and the systemic sources of problems and solutions to those problems.

Today’s discussion topic is: Holistic understanding of God’s vision recognizes both the individual and systemic sources of problems and the solutions to those problems. To start, we should take a moment to clarify the difference between individual and systemic problems.  A systemic problem is a problem due to issues inherent in the overall system, rather than due to a specific, individual, or isolated factor.  This might include problems in a region such as corruption, racism or discrimination, access to educational opportunities, access to clean drinking water, access to enough food and so on.  When we’re referring to individual problems, we could be referring to problems that are specific to a person, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, physical abuse, mental illness, lack of hygiene or an unbelief in Jesus.

Individual and systemic problems exist anywhere you go in the world.  The sources of these problems will vary, but it’s so important to identify what the root cause or source of the problem is.  Without an understanding of what is causing the problem, it will be nearly impossible to come up with a solution.  Some problems are extremely complex and difficult to diagnose.  So where should we start?

As followers of Christ, we know that we can bring any problems or issues in our life before Jesus and He will listen.  Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”   In Philippians, 4:6, Paul reminds the Church at Philippi, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Don’t these scriptures also apply to problems that are not our own, but problems that we see in our community, or in other individuals?  In 1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT), Paul writes to Timothy concerning the care of the church at Ephesus and says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.  Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them.”  God calls us to bring individual and systemic problems that directly affect us, or those around us, to Him in prayer.

As we lift-up the problems that we encounter, both individual and systemic, before the Lord, there are four questions that we should look to seek answers to.  Ask the Lord to identify:

1. What is going on?
2. Why is this going on?
3. What ought to be happening, or what is the desired result?
4. How might we respond?

If we can ask the Lord for help in answering these questions, finding solutions to the problems that we encounter in our communities and in our daily lives will be much easier to identify.

I’d like to close by reminding everyone that God loves us so incredibly much, despite all the problems we have created for ourselves.   Yes, He loves you, me and others we meet, so much that He would sacrifice His one son, to die, so that we could come back into a right relationship with Him (God the Father).  You see, He did this because He saw a problem with our lives: SIN.  God had a solution to our problem of sin and that was Jesus.

Click to download the audio version of “Dynamic Spirituality: Part 3”

Holistic Leadership Nurtures the community in a deepening spiritual life of worship, prayer, study, and mutual discipleship.

To nurture is the process of build and encourage the believer’s spiritual development in Christ.

Consider a vegetable garden. When you sow the seeds carefully and water it diligently, with patience the fruits of your labor bloom. By contrast, if you plant the seeds carelessly and do not give them your diligent attention, the sun and animals will rip out the seeds and dry the leaves, leaving you with a shell of a plant that bears no fruit.

The same applies to your spirituality and that of those you are serving through your lives. If you care for it and tend it well, it will grow in ways that honor God and bless others. As brothers and sisters in Christ, our aim is to nurture not only our INDIVIDUAL walks with Christ, but also those of our neighbors, community members, and all of Sierra Leone.

Acts 2:42-47 says “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts”

My friends, God desires to do power things in and through you and into the communities you serve. As the believes joined together, DEVOTED themselves to fellowship and prayer, God did miracles and was present with them in a mighty way. We must encourage and demonstrate gathering together in the community to seek and worship Him. God desires for Mankneh, Mamaso and surrounding villages to a light on a hill for all to see. Let us consider how to nurture in our individual roles and together for the glory of God.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Reflection:
Please respond by writing a prayer to God including two parts:

1. Personal prayer to Jesus
2. Prayer for the area you serve in

In Mark 12: 28-31, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders of the day.  One of the teachers of the law entered the conversation and asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”  In verses 30 through 31 Jesus answers by saying “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these.”

The perfect expression of God’s love for others is found in the person of Jesus.  Jesus does not require anything from us that he did not already live out in his own person and life.  Jesus modeled this expression of love to others and He has called us to do the same.  We can see this self-sacrificial love modeled through the life of Christ through His compassion, respect for all, his willingness to listen and how He encouraged those in need of encouragement.

Jesus showed Compassion: Jesus was incredibly compassionate and was continually responding to the needs of the suffering.  He healed the sick, broke demonic strongholds over those that needed to be set free and He loved deeply.

Jesus showed Respect:  Jesus demonstrated his love and respect for all people, regardless of their status at the time.  He showed tremendous respect and value for women and children, when culture did not at that time. (Luke 13: 10-17, Mark 10:13-16)

Jesus Listened:  Throughout the New Testament, we see how Jesus spent time listening to the questions of his disciples and listening to the questions and responses of his enemies.  The example we see from Jesus is that, He valued people by listening to them and provided responses that were given thoughtfully and patiently.

Jesus Encouraged:   Jesus spent a significant portion of his ministry encouraging people towards love.  Take some time this week to read Luke 6:17-49.  Jesus always spent time to lift and encourage members of society that were looked down upon (the poor, outcasts, lepers, children, prostitutes and tax collectors).  Aren’t we supposed to do the same?

God showed us the perfect expression of His love through the life of Jesus.  We are called to share that same sacrificial love.  It’s when we share that love that we are expressing the heart of the Father to those who are lost, lonely, vulnerable and broken.

What are some of the ways we can show sacrificial love to our community and the communities around us?

Has God placed a certain person, or community of people, on your heart to reach out to and show sacrificial love?

Click to download the audio version of “Dynamic Spirituality: Part 5”

Dear Friends,

Welcome to another Holistic Leadership training focused on centering our vision and minds on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. In centering on Jesus, He becomes the perfecter of our work in ILF, God’s ministry.  We miss you! I would encourage you, brothers and sisters, to re-listen to last week’s message when brother Cyrus focused our attention God’s promise, “I am with you!” I know God spoke to my heart through that message during a time of uncertainty.

If you have your Holistic Training Manual with you, we will be looking today at the second page under Dynamic Spirituality, the 5^th point listed, which states: “holistic Leadership….serves one another in tangible and purposeful ways with Christ as the ultimate example.

We have seen so many examples within ILF staff, among all of you, of servant hearts, of going above and beyond to serve one another well outside of your job descriptions. But truly our ultimate example is Jesus himself.

In the book of Philippines, Paul says in 1:27, “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ and stand firm.” How do we do this? In one spirit, like-minded, united, serving one another. In this book, Jesus is given as the perfect example of a servant and Jesus’ example should encourage us to have servants’ hearts. Not just to serve one another, but the focus should be serving Jesus through serving one another. This is stated clearly in 2 Corinthians 4:5.

“For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”

He is our perfect example because He illustrates in Himself characteristics of a true servant.

Here are a few examples:

1. Jesus thought of others before Himself

This is an incredible thought: Although God, Jesus emptied Himself, or made Himself nothing. He poured Himself out and gave Himself away. Having the attitude of Jesus begins with a choice. He purposefully laid aside all the glories of heaven to come to earth as a human baby. Still God, He chose to grow and live as a man who would suffer a cruel death for us.

Jesus demonstrates that servant leaders do not get caught up in a sense of entitlement but rather give of themselves sacrificially for other

2. Jesus served

Philippians 2:7 describes Jesus as a servant, or more specifically, a bondservant—someone in bondage or servitude to someone else.  Jesus did not pretend to be a servant. He was not an actor playing a role. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him willingly serving others in practical ways. He spent time with people which other leaders would not, he got his hands dirty in the mud to give sight to a blind man, he helped this poor, sick, diseased. Is this not the vision we have for ILF? That we would serve our communities in practical ways?

And remember, Jesus serves you still! He is our high Priest interceding for us in prayer.

3. Jesus Sacrificed

Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice. He did that for us, with the joy of our redemption in mind. Having the attitude of Jesus might lead us to doing things we don’t want to do for the sake of others. Jesus prayed “not my will but Thy will be done” as He faced the cross.

Servants are not self-serving but rather submissive to God’s will for the sake of the big picture, God’s glory.

4. Jesus served with joy

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that with the joy of our redemption set before Him, He endured the cross. He tells us in Joh 15:11 “these things I have spoken to you that my joy might remain in you, and your joy might be full.” The joy we have in loving one another is the joy of Jesus!

Romans 12:1 tells us to take our everyday, ordinary lives, from sleeping, eating, to our roles within ILF, and place it before God as an offering. This is our spiritual act of worship. In fact, serving one another in love, as Jesus did, is as important an act of worship as singing him songs at church!

So, my friends, as we look to Jesus as our role model, may we serve one another, those God has placed in our paths, sacrificially, putting others before our comfort, and with Joy in our hearts.

Would you respond with whatever God places on your heart after hearing/reading this?

Today we will be discussing Healthy Community Dynamics that nurtures loving, accountable, and reconciling relationships within the community and intentionally working toward oneness in Christ to remove division.

An incident happened in my country recently that I found parallel to what we will be studying today.

A gentleman named Gorge Floyd lost his life in a “conflict” with police. The officer and his abuse of authority fueled the rage and anger of a nation, dividing and challenging our understanding of “justice”.

Conflict is a part of life my brothers and sister. I’m sure we all have experience that in the past and unavoidably will experience it in the future. But as much as conflict may be part of life, “Division” should not be. That’s what we will focus on today.

I don’t know of a leadership model that will totally eliminate disagreements or personality clashes in any community, any organization or ministry. But I know that we have an amazing model of how to address “division” and reconcile relationships within ourselves, our ministry and ultimately our community. We find that model in Jesus.

What an amazing teacher Jesus is and what a great handbook the Bible is. And such comfort it is to know that every time in doubt, we can open Gods’ book and find the answers we need.

Managing conflict and division is no exception, and Jesus delivers one of my favorite examples on the Sermon on the Mount:

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”  Matthew 5:23-24

Oh, how hard it is at times, to see the plank in our own eye’s friends, isn’t it? We just witnessed a shameful example of that in our own backyard, regardless of the color of our skin, our race or social status. That is what Jesus challenges us to do. To create an environment that encourages community members working through their relational differences. A Christlike leader has to devote himself or herself to learning how to do just that.  In other words, to remove division, we must love our way through conflict

I get it friends, it is often emotionally and mentally challenging to reconcile relationships, keep the community accountable and be loving at the same time. That is why we need to relay on the Holy Spirit and focus on keeping an eye toward positive closure instead of magnifying the guilt or the judgment.

Through ILF, each one of us will have many opportunities to minister to our community, to work with others through relational, spiritual and even personal differences. Especially the ones who do not share the same faith and spiritual value as we do. Remembering what Brother Roland mentioned a couple of weeks ago, our role is not to be the Hero in the community but to be the Friend of the community.

Jesus continued the Sermon on the Mount saying

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”  Matthew 5:43-45

One of the most well-known Christian ministers in America was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

He delivered a sermon in 1956 based on this very passage of Scripture. The sermon’s title was “Loving Your Enemy.”  Through the course of his sermon, Dr. King suggested three ways by which we can do just that.

First, we must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive.  Such forgiveness doesn’t mean that we ignore the wrong committed against us.  Rather, it means that we will no longer allow the wrong to be a barrier to the relationship.  Forgiveness, according to Dr. King, “is to create the environment necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning.”

Second, we must recognize that the wrong we’ve suffered doesn’t entirely represent the other person’s identity.  We need to acknowledge that we all, possess both bad and good qualities.  We must choose to find the good and focus on it.

Third, we must not seek to defeat or humiliate the wrong, but to win his or her friendship and understanding.  Such attitude flows not from ourselves, but from God as his unconditional love works through us.

As followers of Christ and as members in ILF ministry who seek to lead as Jesus led, we must remember that the more freely we forgive, the more clearly, we reveal the nature of our heavenly Father.