Bridging Between Phases of Relationship

I don't intentionally spoil my grand kids. Its just that correcting them often takes more energy than I have left.

If you aim at nothing,

you hit it every time.

Talking about love ministry

Let me explain

Power Point

Do You Believe?

Not a question

an invitation

Matthew 9:27–31 ESV

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

Not just there

to bring sight

Wants to experience

faith relationship with them

Asks them a question

before healing.

Questions?

What if they said no?

Jesus walks away?

Jesus does this often.

Do you believe?

According to your faith.

Saving Others

Paul on trial

some want his death

Acts 26:27 (ESV)

King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”

concerned about King’s life

invitation

Jesus’ intentional agenda

People Say,

We should do things just because we love people, not so we can get them to come to church.

This statement

looks good on surface

Built on fallacy

Think about Jesus

He didn’t become human

ignominious life

abusive death

Sooo.... Purpose???

walk right

See right

talk right

leprosy

have food

End Game

Deepen relationship

Receive Him

Be Saved!

Same for us

we have greater purpose.

Not for them

warm a pew on Sabbath.

Deepen relationship

receive Christ

understand truth

live it out

be saved.

Often corporate worship

helps along that journey.

Issue of Blood

Luke 8:42–48 (ESV)

As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Key Points

Jesus drew attention

Jesus stopped

Jesus asked

Why?

Jesus was not content

just be miracle worker.

He wanted more

connection to faith

Transition woman

(and crowd)

Next phase in relationship.

Faith and learning.

10 Lepers

where are the other 9?

They just wanted healing?

No relationship?

Feeding 5000

Left before crowing Him king.

Not the relationship he wanted.

Also, didn’t want to be a food vendor.

Paralytic

Connects physical healing

with spiritual healing.

Teaches the importance of

next step in relationship.

Jairus daughter

Doesn’t pronounce

healing from afar.

Waits until death

goes to house

goes to bedroom

sends away mourners

heals child

Blind Man

Don’t sin anymore

Intentionality

In our Programming

In our Relationships

We need to be intentional

We are going somewhere.

That does not mean forceful.

Scale -10 to +10

Don’t force.

Accept their pace

But welcome them along journey

Always be looking down the road for next step.

Question

Leaders

How do our ministries fit into cycle?

How can we make a cycle that transitions well?

Are their ministries that are not functioning well?

What transitions are we failing at?

Members

Think about your relationships.

Where is each relationship on the spectrum

What is the next step for each relationship?

What would it look like to transition well?

How can you transition between love and learn?

Appeal

Be intentional in your relationships.

When appropriate, invite to next phase.