The fantasy of the dream church, often erodes the peace, purity and unity of the real church.

When you bring a consumer’s mindset into relationships, no one will ever be enough for you, and you will fear never being enough for anyone else.

“Communities and relationships that last, are built and sustained by people who don’t put their self interests first.”

Luke 9:23-25
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”

#Uncomfortable

• Uncomfortable cross
• Uncomfortable truths
• Uncomfortable holiness
• Uncomfortable love
• Uncomfortable authority
• Uncomfortable unity
• Uncomfortable commitment
• Uncomfortable diversity
• Uncomfortable people
• Countercultural comfort

1 Peter 3:8a
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded…”

Philippians 3:2-5
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

1 Peter 3:8b
…be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble

Συμπαθεῖς (sympatheis) – Sympathetic
συν (syn) – meaning “with” or “together”
πάθος (pathos) – meaning “feeling” or “suffering”

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Matthew 5:43-45
“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 children of your Father in heaven.

1 Peter 3:10-11
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.

1 Peter 4:8-11
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

“A true gospel community is not about convenience and comfort and chai lattes in the vestibule. Its about pushing each other forward in holiness and striving together for the kingdom, joining along in the ongoing work of the Spirit in this world. Those interested only in their comfort and happiness need not apply. Being the church is difficult.” – Brett McCracken, Uncomfortable