Here in Connecticut, there are a few colleges that will be receiving new leaders/presidents. When the head of an organization changes, the culture of that organization changes. It was said in class a few weeks back that the new president of Albertus Magnus school saw what was missing: maintaining values in education. The majority of students that attend this school (about 90%) live here in CT and for this new president to implement this new system will cause not only the current students to change, but a domino effect that will instill values in the generations to come. The Lord is strategic in the way He moves in order to bring change to an area.

I like how Renee brought up the difference between conduct and behavior. We all are aware of the do's and do not's, what to say and what not to say, etc. of our "church culture." But the truth is we should be who we are wherever we are. Whether we're in service, at home, at a restaurant, at our place of employment, those around us should know who we are and what we stand for. This is why it is important that our actions align with our words and our words with our actions. I believe that every day there is someone watching and observing how we live our lives. And it's so much more than following rules, laws, and guidelines. Living life together in community is where we see change, empowerment, and most importantly, where we can hear the Lord speak. We can never forsake our gathering and must continue to encourage and exhort one another (Hebrews 10:25).

We recently had a teaching concerning conduct and behavior. Conduct is how a person acts, and behavior is based on how someone thinks. Behavior is the real you whereas our conduct is not in that it is an act. For example, those that attend service on Sundays may act or conduct themeselves a specific way: smiling, hugging and kissing friends/family and appearing to be “perfect.” Outside of service, there is who that person really is. Their words and actions reveal how they truly think about a person or situation. It has been made clear that the Lord has come to change our behavior which ultimately will change our conduct. I am thankful for this because there should never be a two-sidedness to who we are but rather a consistency in how we move through life while showing the world the love of God.

I agree with Renee. Communities have a common goal or purpose. It's not a gathering just to be together. It's more than that and it is produced by fellowship. We learn together, rejoice together, mourn together, etc. Each individual in the community has something to give / something to offer. We can only see advancement when everyone is doing their part and contributing. That's by being in fellowship, knowing the will of God, and doing something with what He said! That's the only way we can be prosperous, successful, and move forward.

For the majority of the day today, I've been thinking about correction. Some people aren't too fond of change but are still looking to grow whether it be spiritually, emotionally, financially, etc. When a behavior or thought process is revealed that does not line up with God's Will and correction comes through His Word or through systematic teaching, we can either put our feelings aside and allow truth to change us, or we can continue in ways that keep us going in circles. As a community, growth should be continuous. I believe that as long as we are transparent with one another and keep our hearts and minds open to opportunities of correction, we will flourish.

The Lord has chosen us. Out of our family, friends and coworkers He has chosen us to advance His Kingdom and He has given unique abilities to each of us which are to be our contribution in doing so. I am in awe when I think of those statements but the important thing to remember is that there is still a process that needs to take place in order for us to mature and be productive and it can only happen in community through systematic teaching and discipleship. As it has been previously stated, no man is an island. Similar to the education system, no student is left to their own devices and is told to advance on their own. They are put in a class with other students so they can all learn and progress together.

We have to separate our experiences at Sunday service from what God has been speaking to us concerning community. A community does not come together once a week for several hours and call it done. A community involves fellowship and coming together with the same mind and the same goal. Our purpose is to advance God's Kingdom in the earth. As Renee said, our day-to-day routine needs to be more than waking up, going to work, and then repeat until the weekend.

We have been learning about God giving His people the nations. When we see nations mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, God is speaking about the government. It's the system of government that God wants His people to influence and ultimately take possession of. We are to affect every aspect of society. We (together) are to be the answer. No one person can be the answer to all but we as a community of believers most certainly can.

The Lord has really been speaking about change
and development lately. What we do in our day-to-day lives can quickly turn into maintenance and cause stagnation in growth if we aren't careful. We have been created with the ability to do more than just wake up, go to a 9-5 job and then come home to sleep only to do it over again the next day. We have been called to meet the needs of all men (financially, materially, emotionally, etc) for the purpose of advancing His Kingdom. He is wanting us to be well versed in His ways, which is the catalyst for change in not only in our lives, but in the lives of the people in our families, work environments and beyond.

I like what Renee said about knowing Him and who He has created us to be. We have learned that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who establishes the Church and that it is the Church that builds communities. Once the community is formed, then we can move towards ruling the city, and ultimately, discipling nations. It is incredible to think about what could happen when the Church comes together and establishes the Kingdom of God in a territory. We have the history of what this looks like in Acts of the Apostles, and it is important to note that this happened in the beginning of the Church! Imagine what is possible! God has been revealing Himself throughout the ages and continues to do so. We are the ones who reveal His nature, His character, and demonstrate His power.

The process of transformation is a tough but beautiful one. The Lord is exposing the intents of our hearts by His word. Revealing truth that when received with gladness and immediately applied brings forth change that could not happen otherwise simply by making a decision in our mind to "be or do better." The Lord is building a community of believers that know who He is and who He has created us to be. I am so thankful to He who has brought us together.