Avert Church Defined

Good morning! Glad each of one of you are here with us this morning. Make sure if today is your first time with us or if you haven't done so yet you fill out a connect card or scan the QR code on the back of the chair in front of you so we can stay connected with you.

Why do a series on the church? To provide insights of its various aspects, functions, and roles within the lives of believers and the world. And to point out false ideas we may have about what the church is and isn't.

Last week we really unpacked about how important discipleship is to the life of the church.

We have spent so much time talk about the big “C” church…Today we are going to localize it to our context… Avert Church defined.

We feel like we are entering into a new season here at Avert.. And with that we have prayed on and come to the conclusion its time to bring clarity to our foundations as a church and to add a couple new ones in.

Averts Vision: We are a community made of many small church families that come together for a big purpose, to love a real God and to love real people! -As we share the Gospel of Jesus with transparency and urgency, we will begin to see the St. Charles area and the DMV be transformed and renewed by seeking a relationship with Him. We will create a “family” atmosphere where every color, background, age and financial status can come together to hear and live out the Gospel. As we begin to grow in our faith, we will send out believers to reach the lost in other parts of our area.

Averts Mission Statement: We exist to redirect all people away from their old life of brokenness and towards a new life of freedom in Jesus . We long to see the start of many authentic Christ centered communities grow and saturate the DMV area.

having Foundations in life are important. If you don't have something you live by, you will be all over the place. Jesus taught this very thing in Matthew 7:24–27 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.”

But i wanna be clear here Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:11 “For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.”

Avert is ultimately built upon Jesus and His kingdom. The foundation that we are about share come from a life being built upon Christ.

The foundations we have will lead us to living out the vision and mission daily.

DISCIPLESHIP: Discipleship involves being and making disciples. Ephesians 5:1 tells us to imitate God and walk in love as Christ did. This is the essence of being a disciple. Christ demonstrated ultimate disciple-making by dying for us. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus tells us to go and make other disciples by sharing HIS good news with others.

Why Discipleship is important and one of our foundations:

-It is Mandate from Jesus: Jesus' final command to His disciples, known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), instructed them to go and make disciples of all nations. This mandate continues to guide Christian believers in their faith and mission.

-It crucial for Spiritual Growth: Discipleship is a means for us who follow Christ to grow spiritually. By studying and following Jesus' teachings, we deepen our faith, develop a closer relationship with God, and become more Christ-like in character.

-It happens in Community and Fellowship: Discipleship often occurs within a community of believers, such as the church. We see it play out some here in our Family Talk time. This fosters a sense of fellowship and mutual support as individuals grow together in their faith.

-Evangelism and Outreach: Disciples are not just called to grow personally but also to share the good news of Jesus with others. This involves both evangelism (sharing the message) and making new disciples.

-Transformation: Discipleship is about transformation. Christians believe that by following Jesus, their lives should change for the better, both morally and spiritually.

How we live out Discipleship:

-Studying the Bible: Christians regularly read and study the Bible to understand the teachings of Jesus and apply them to their lives. Bible study groups and church sermons are common ways to do this.

-Prayer: Prayer is essential in discipleship. Christians pray for guidance, strength, and a deeper relationship with God.

-One on One relationships: Many Christians seek guidance from more mature believers or mentors who can help them grow in their faith and navigate life's challenges.

-Fellowship: Being part of a Christian community, attending church services, and engaging in small groups provides a supportive environment for discipleship.

-Sharing the Gospel: Evangelism is a crucial aspect of discipleship. Christians share the message of Jesus with others, aiming to make new disciples.

-Living by Example: Discipleship isn't just about words but also about actions. Christians strive to live according to the moral and ethical standards set by Jesus to be a positive example to others.

-Obedience: Discipleship involves obeying Jesus' commandments and teachings. This includes the commandment to love one another, forgive, and live a life of faith.

(MANNY) HOLINESS: God tells us in 1 Pet 1:13-16 to live obedient, holy lives so that we may reflect God’s holiness in all we do. When we live obedient (holy) lives, we identify with Jesus as God’s children and reflect His light in our dark world.

TRANSPARENCY: 1 John 1:5-10 and James 5:16 tells us to acknowledge our sins and flaws. When we do this, it provides an opportunity to show God’s impact in our lives over time. This transparency also removes the focus of perfection off of us and point others to the Only perfect one - Jesus Christ.

Why Transparency is important and one of our foundations:

-Honesty and Truthfulness: Christianity places a strong emphasis on honesty and truthfulness. The Bible teaches that God is a God of truth, and Christians are called to be truthful in all their dealings (Psalm 25:5; John 14:6; Ephesians 4:25). Transparency is a way of being truthful and not hiding or distorting the truth.

-Accountability: We believe in being accountable to God and to one another. Transparency fosters accountability by allowing others to see one's actions, decisions, and intentions. This accountability helps individuals stay on the right path and live in accordance with their faith.

-Integrity: Integrity is a core Christian value, and it involves consistency between one's beliefs and actions. Transparency ensures that there is no discrepancy between what one professes to believe and how one lives their life.

-Trust: Building and maintaining trust is crucial in relationships, whether in the church or in the broader community. Transparency is a key factor in building trust, as it demonstrates a willingness to be open and honest, even in difficult situations.

-Repentance and Forgiveness: We believe in the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness for sins. Transparency is essential in this process, as it requires individuals to acknowledge their wrongdoing openly and seek reconciliation with God and others.

-Imitating Christ: We strive to imitate the character and actions of Jesus Christ, who was transparent in His teachings and actions. He openly shared His message, lived a life of integrity, and was accountable to His Father's will.

How we live out Transparency :

-Open Communication: We must communicate openly and honestly with others. This includes being willing to share their thoughts, feelings, and struggles with trusted individuals within the this community.

-Confession and Repentance: When we make mistakes or sin, you are encouraged to confess your sins to God and, when appropriate, seek forgiveness from those they have wronged. This process requires humility and transparency.

-Accountability Partners: Many Christians choose to have accountability partners or mentors who hold them responsible for their actions and provide support in their spiritual journey.

-Counseling and Support: Christians often seek counseling and support from pastors or fellow believers when facing challenges in life. This involves open and honest discussions about personal struggles and seeking guidance and prayer.

-Living by Example: Christians aim to live transparent lives that reflect their faith. This includes being honest in their interactions with non-believers and demonstrating Christian values through their actions.

(MANNY) WORSHIP: Our worship of God is our response to the vast goodness and mercies of Christ (Romans 12:1-2). The Word of God governs all we do, so our worship of Him should be reflected in the same (how we do our secular jobs, our giving, our service, our love for others, our singing, our church attendance, etc).

AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY: Acts 2:42-47 models for us how we should love one another and share life in authentic community together. We Love one another through the love of Christ. We have been called to come together physically and become one body in Christ.

Why Authentic Community is important and one of our foundations:

-It has Biblical Foundation: The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship among believers. In the New Testament, the early Christian church is described as a close-knit community that shared their lives, resources, and faith together (Acts 2:42-47).

-For Support and Encouragement: Authentic community provides a support system for Christians. In times of joy, sorrow, or struggle, being part of a community allows believers to lean on one another for encouragement, prayer, and assistance (Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

-It nurtures Spiritual Growth: In a community of believers, Christians can grow spiritually by learning from one another, studying the Bible together, and holding each other accountable in their faith journey (Proverbs 27:17; Colossians 3:16).

-Accountability: Being part of a community encourages accountability in living out Christian values and principles. It helps individuals stay on the right path and resist temptation (James 5:16; Hebrews 10:24-25).

-It is a Reflection of God's Image: we believe that all people are created in the image of God, who exists in a community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Authentic community can reflect this divine image and allow individuals to experience a taste of God's love and unity (Genesis 1:26-27; John 17:20-23).

-Evangelism: Community is a powerful platform for evangelism. We must always invite non-believers to join our community, where they can witness the love and faith of believers and hear the message of the gospel (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15).

How we live out Authentic Community:

-Regular Church Attendance: Attending church services and participating in activities like Bible studies, prayer groups, and fellowship events is a fundamental way to engage in authentic community within the Christian context.

-Building Relationships: We must intentionally build meaningful relationships with fellow believers. We seek to connect on a deeper level, sharing their lives, joys, and struggles.

-Mutual Support: In an authentic community, members support one another through prayer, acts of service, and providing emotional and practical assistance when needed.

-Transparency: Authentic community encourages transparency and vulnerability. Christians share their joys and sorrows, as well as their doubts and struggles, with others in an atmosphere of trust.

-Accountability: In this community we must hold each other accountable in living out our faith. This can include gently confronting one another in love when someone strays from their Christian values.

-Hospitality: Welcoming others into one's home and life is a way to practice authentic community. Christians often extend hospitality to newcomers and guests as a way to build relationships.

-Service and Volunteering: Serving together in various capacities, whether within the church or in the wider community, is a way for Christians to bond and demonstrate their faith through action.

-Prayer: Praying together is a powerful way to build community and connect spiritually.

(MANNY) RADICAL SERVING: Jesus demonstrated radical service for us in Mark 10:43-45. As His disciples, we believe we should serve our church, community, and world radically as He has taught us.

GENEROSITY: We are taught in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, to give willingly and generously from the heart. We believe generosity is deeper than just our pockets. GOD gave us His Only Son. Jesus gave us His very life. We believe we too should be cheerful givers - giving generously of the things the Lord has provided us.

Why Generosity is important and one of our foundations:

-Following Jesus' Example: Jesus, demonstrated extraordinary generosity throughout His life. His teachings often emphasized giving to those in need, loving one's neighbor, and caring for the marginalized. Christians believe in following His example (Matthew 25:35-40; Luke 6:38).

-Expressing Love: Generosity is seen as an expression of love for one's fellow human beings. In Christianity, the greatest commandments are to love God and love one's neighbor as oneself. Generosity is a tangible way to put this love into action (Matthew 22:37-39).

-Meeting Needs: Christians are called to provide for the needs of others, particularly the less fortunate. The Bible teaches that God blesses individuals so they can be a blessing to others. Generosity is a means of meeting the physical and spiritual needs of others (Proverbs 19:17; 1 John 3:17-18).

-Stewardship: Christians believe that everything they have ultimately belongs to God, and they are stewards of His resources. Generosity is a way of responsibly managing and using the resources God has entrusted to them (1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Peter 4:10).

-Promoting Unity: Generosity fosters unity within the Christian community. By sharing resources and helping one another, Christians strengthen their bonds and demonstrate their commitment to working together for a common purpose (Acts 4:32-35).

-Witnessing to the World: Generosity is a powerful way for Christians to witness to the world. When they demonstrate selfless love and generosity, they show others the transformative power of their faith (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16).

How we live Out Generosity:

Offering : giving financially to the church to help move Gods kingdom forward and so the ministry can continue to function.This supports the ministry of the church and various charitable endeavors.

Almsgiving: Christians give to those in need, whether it's through monetary donations, food, clothing, or other forms of assistance. Almsgiving is a direct way to fulfill Jesus' teachings about caring for the poor and needy.

Time and Talents: Generosity is not limited to financial resources. Christians also give of their time and talents by volunteering, mentoring, and using their skills to benefit others and serve the community.

Hospitality: Opening one's home and life to others through hospitality is a form of generosity. Christians often invite people in, whether friends, strangers, or newcomers, to share meals and fellowship.

Random Acts of Kindness: Generosity can be expressed through everyday acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor, providing a listening ear, or offering a comforting word.

Supporting Missions: Many Christians support mission work, both locally and globally, by contributing to organizations and individuals who spread the Christian message and provide humanitarian aid. (Blessing bags for Fuller House men)

Prayer: Christians often pray for those in need, believing that prayer is a powerful form of generosity by seeking God's intervention and blessing for others.