Thrive- Week 2

In a world that spends billions of dollars annually to shape our desires, habits, and identities, we face a profound question: what culture is truly forming us? This message confronts the invisible yet powerful force of cultural influence, particularly the deeply ingrained individualism of Western society that teaches us to stand alone, rely on ourselves, and measure success by personal achievement. Yet beneath this fierce independence lies a God-given longing that refuses to be silenced—our need to be known, seen, and loved. Drawing from Ephesians 2 and 4, we're reminded that before Christ, we were spiritually dead, following the ways of this world and gratifying the cravings of our flesh. But God, rich in mercy and great in love, made us alive in Christ. This transformation isn't meant to be lived in isolation. Paul's repeated phrase 'in Christ' describes not just a one-time decision but an ongoing way of life—one that can only be fully realized within a community of believers. The local church isn't another item on our calendar; it's the environment where Christ is magnified through people learning to live His way together. Like a goldfish that grows larger in a pond than in a bowl, our spiritual growth depends on the environment we choose. Connection comes with risks, but the love, growth, and life possible in authentic Christian community far exceed anything we could experience alone.