Dennis R. Wiles First Baptist Arlington May 25, 2025 Flourishing Together First Baptist Arlington 2025 – 2030  2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew)  SPRING 2025: Walk This Way! April 27 – May 31, 2025  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Jesus (Matthew 5:48)  Walk This Way . . . Together! Colossians 3:1-17  Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way Theme for 2027: Flourishing Together: Impacting Our World for Christ Six Domains of Human Flourishing Happiness and Life Satisfaction Mental and Physical Health Meaning and Purpose Character and Virtue Close Social Relationships Material and Financial Stability WINTER: Happiness and Life Satisfaction EASTER: Easter! SPRING: Character and Virtue SUMMER: Meaning and Purpose AUGUST: Mental and Physical Health FALL: Close Social Relationships MISSIONS: Missions! ADVENT: Advent!  CHARACTER AND VIRTUE – Colossians 3 -Love is the greatest virtue! -As our character is transformed, we exchange vices for virtues. -Our character is expressed through virtuous living in community with fellow believers.  Life in the Kingdom of God is meant to be lived in community. The virtues listed in Colossians 3 are relational in nature. In other words, the practicing of virtuous living takes place in the context of community. We are to treat each other according to the ethic set forth by the New Testament. Virtuous living emerges from a redeemed Christian character. Our character is also shaped by our decision to live fully into a virtuous life. When we do so, we live in such a way that is beneficial to others. This is a blessed life. This is actually what is known as . . . flourishing!  BELONGING: In the Body of Christ, we all belong to Jesus and all human barriers erode in the face of this Age to Come reality!  BELIEVING: We are joined together by the incredible power of the Gospel – the message of Christ!  BEHAVING: We live together in community through accountable relationships, admonishing each other, serving the interests of the Kingdom of God together . . . for the glory of God!