The Hope of the World

House Party - Week #1

The Hope of the World

• Jesus is the Hope of the world

5 Things we want Central to Be:

1. A place where you are accepted as you are, not as others want you to be

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.  Matthew 4:18-20

• What He’s done is greater than what we’ve done

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9

• Jesus didn’t call Matthew out, He drew Matthew in

2.  A place where we can grow in our walk with Jesus at His pace and not someone else’s

• When we set higher standards for discipleship than Jesus set for discipleship, we have strayed from relationship into religion

As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. 53 But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. 54 When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?”  Luke 9:51-54

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples. Luke 11:1

The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

3. A place where we can move from good to great

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant Matthew 20:26

• You will feel more like you belong when you volunteer

4.  A place where we can see a return on our investment

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

5. A place where we value you more than a stance

• People are created in the image of God

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35