Hi Everybody!

So simple anyone can do it. Just pay attention to the pattern,
carefully cut along the lines, and put the pieces together as
described. And the finished product will be just what you wanted!

That's the basics of being a disciple. Pattern yourself after, Follow
the example, Model yourself on, Imitate. But it's not an individual
thing, it's "imitate together." Join with other believers who are
intent on the same thing.

So where can I follow the pattern more carefully? Who am I joining with
to follow Paul's example of a Christ-centered life? Who do I know who
are good examples to follow? Am I keeping close track of them so my own
life follows their pattern? How can I model myself after them more
effectively? Where am I completely off the map and need to get back?

We all need models and patterns and encouragement to stay on track.
That's why we're in this together!





JUST FOLLOW THE PATTERN
Teamwork Can Change My Life (part 9)

Pattern yourselves after me,
as I imitate Christ
1 Corinthians 1:11 Amp


EXAMPLES - THAT’S WHAT THE CHURCH IS FOR


* FIND FRIENDS TO FOLLOW WITH

17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of
those who live according to the pattern we gave you.    Philippians 3:17
NIV

You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my
faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and
sufferings                      2 Timothy 3:10-11 ESV


* FEED WHAT GOD FAVORS

18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with
tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is
destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their
shame. Their mind is on earthly things.                         Philippians 3:18-19 NIV

So, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, arm yourselves with the
same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to
please God]. ...Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old
sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be
able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of
being tyrannized by what you want.      1 Peter 4:1-2 Amp, Msg


* DEFINE MYSELF ACCURATELY

20But our citizenship is in heaven.     Philippians 3:20 NIV

You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people.
You are members of God’s family.        Ephesians 2:19 NLT


* LIVE EXPECTANTLY

And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ 21who,
by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious
body.   Philippians 3:20-21 NIV

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but
we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink
of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds,
those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are
living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be
transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be
transformed into immortal bodies.       1 Corinthians 15:51-53 NLT


My friends, I want you to follow my example
and learn from others who closely follow
the example we set for you.
Philippians 3:17 CEV



God has put us together as Ridgewood to:

Get Out the Good News
Gladly Glorify God
Grow More and More Godly
Give Our Gifts Generously
Gain Genuine Grace-Filled Friendships