HOW WE CHOOSE TO LIVE                                                                                                (taken from a message by the Senior Leader - available on cd - based on ministry of R Cozine)                 Ten decissions we must make if we are to live in unity and fellowship. Amos 3:3

1, We will believe the best in one another. 2, We know that God keeps records of what we do for Him. 3, We desire for each person to reach their full potential. 4, We hold fast our confession. 5, We habitually meet together. 6, We encourage one another. 7, We remember those who have led us and taught us the Word of God. 8, We consider their conduct and imitate their faith. 9, We submit to those who have the rule over us. 10, We make the fulfilling of their responsibility for us one of joy. Heb 6:9-12, 10:23-25; 13:17

Relationship Principles; There are five principles which can be used to cultivate and keep relationships healthy and strong. We have discovered that friendships are not held together by sincerity and love alone, but by covenantal agreements. When we agree to walk together acording to Godly standards and ethics, we find Gods favour and truly prove that friends love at all times. (Proverbs 17:17

The Faithfulness Principle; Faithfulness to a relationship means loyalty to a person. When problems are the primary focus of a relationship, principles are laid aside in order to air differences. The importance of feelings often takes priority over character. Proverbs 14:8, 17:18 Psalms 133:1. We need our commitment to be that faithfulness to our relationship outweighs the importance of any offence between us. I will not allow any problem to override the principles that we live by. We need to ask ourselves is this problem a threat to our relationship?

The Four Day Principle: Resolving conflicts preserves friendships. Offences between friends are spiritually, emotionally and physically harmful. Bringing issues to closure within a reasonable amount of time maintains the health of a friendship. Proverbs 28:12; John 11; James3:17-18. Our commitment is that I will not let any problem I have with you go unresolved for more than four days. If within that length of time I have not come to peace about the issue, I will communicate with you. The question is how long have you been troubled about this problem.

The Final Word Principle: Jesus instructed us to go to an offending brother privately. When we obey Jesus we are able to reconcile with our brother much more easily than if we revealed the problem to others before speaking with him. Malachi 3:16; Matthew 18:15. Your commitment will be that you will be the first person to hear about any problem I have with you. The question is have you spoken to anyone else about this offence?

The First Word Principle; Jesus instructed us to go to an offending brother privately. When we obey Jesus we are able to reconcile with our brother much more easily than if we had revealed the problem to others before speaking with him. Malachi 3:16; Matthew 18:15. Our commitment should be that you will be the first person to hear about any problems I have with you. The question needs to be then have you spoken to anyone else about this offence?

The Final Word Principle; We believe Gods word? We should also believe the word of our friends. If we espect the words we hear from each other, we do not need constant assurances of the well being of our relationship. We can be confident all is well because we have not been told otherwise. Proverbs 14:5, 25, 35; 1 Corthinians 13:7; Ephesians 4:15. My commitment must be I will believe and act upon the last words we spoke concerning our relationship and live as if you will do the same. If anything changes on my part I will inform you! The question is did you forget or disregard what we last spoke to one another concerning our relationship?

The friendship Principle; God is the only one who knows what is in a mans heart. You should not expect that a friend can discern what is happening inside you. Therefore the need to be understood is met when friends communicate with one another. Proverbs 14:5; 19:17; 18:24; 27:6. Our commitment has to be I will be your friend by being honestwith you; I will not expect you to interpret my actions or recognise my hearts condition. It is my responsibility to approach you if I need your help. The question is are you offended that I did not recognise you were troubled?

Other Ministry

Building for the Future (Recorded at RCC North Carolina)