Better Together - Jeremy Cook

Better Together ("If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.")

1. Introduction.

a. Many years of overseeing pastors and leaders has taught me they all usually battle with one main issue, I limits growth, it withholds blessing, and is the cause of many a good leaders failure – Insecurity.

b. Insecurity comes along the path initially of shame (you’re not good enough), then to rejection , and eventually gives rise to pride and insecurity.

c. Insecurity then leads to:

i. Making comparisons (forbidden)

ii. Weak self-identity and poor sense of calling in God

iii. Divisive and or controlling behaviour (jealousy, gossip, criticism etc).

iv. Inability to rejoice in others success and fruit.

v. Lack of harmony and love.

d. We in the Ukraine need to be free of that.

e. This group going forward needs to get rid of any issues of this but it is not an easy task.

2. Some Biblical Perspectives

a. Paul is clear we are one in Christ (Gal 3:28).

b. Jesus prays for harmony (John 17:21), so that others may believe.

c. Act 2:42-46 models unity and growth.

d. Mathew 18 gives us a practical model for forgiveness and demonstrates the consequences of unforgiveness.

e. Paul in Romans 12 and 1Cor 12 gives a message of the body of Christ and our need for each other. God designed it that way.

f. We are called to prefer one another , love one another, and serve one another, that is what the world longs to see. The NT contains that theme all the way through. .

g. The resurrected Christ always appears in of for community

i. The two Marys are sent back to the disciples having seen the resurrected Jesus (Matt 28),

ii. On the road to Emmaus the two disciples return to the community after having met the resurrected Jesus (Luke 24)