Spheres of Friendship

Wisdom says that we’re permitted to speak into others’ lives only to the degree they allow us. But not all friendships are equal and not all require the same commitment. So, what are the different spheres (or levels) of friendships in our lives and how do we prioritize them within healthy boundaries? In this episode, we discuss the characteristics and responsibilities of four spheres of friendships and how God has called us to tend to those and love people well there.

The Ministry of Availability

The cost of discipleship is more than just about saying “yes,” but also what we’re saying “no” to.  The ministry of availability is a commitment of discipleship that promises access to your life within healthy boundaries.  Are you available to those you want to influence and teach?

God Loves Weakness

No one likes to talk about weakness, but God loves weakness. The Apostle Paul encourages us to see ourselves as needy and powerless, but we live in a culture where we don’t want to show any vulnerabilities. That’s an opening for attack.  But the Scriptures tell us God’s power is made perfect in weakness.  How do we live that way?

Repent to Reset

The new year is a time to reset.  We reflect, we plan and we take action.  But how about starting 2022 with something different — repentance? Taking time for confessions seems like a lost spiritual discipline these days. The heart and act of repentance that should follow takes humility and courage.  It’s hard but worth it.

BONUS: How do we test the spirits?

We’ve prepared a bonus episode for you featuring a sermon Lionshare’s founder and president Dave Buehring gave last month at Grace Chapel Fairview. He spoke on 1 John chapter 4. In verse 1 it says “Beloved, do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” What does it mean to test the spirits? Dave shares three questions we can ask to discern whether teachings and teachers are true and he challenges us to test ourselves as well.