Community

Intro

“Cheers” was a popular show from 1982 - 1993 ; maybe most popular for its theme song

Making your way in the world today Takes everything you've got Taking a break from all your worries Sure would help a lot Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you wanna go Where everybody knows your name And they're always glad you came You wanna be where you can see (ah-ah) Our troubles are all the same (ah-ah) You wanna be where everybody knows your name

Everyone is looking for a place to belong; a place where everybody knows your name

Even you, introverts! There is a need we have to bee seen, to be known, and to be in community

People will search for this type of connection in many places

Bars (like Cheers), neighbourhoods, clubs, sports, school groups, etc.

For Christians, church is the only place that offers spiritual community

Not just shared interests, but a common bond of faith in Jesus Christ

Which is why the Bible uses the term “family” to describe the church; we are truly brothers and sisters in Christ

Being a “spiritual” family is part of our mission statement at SBF

Unfortunately, church community can operate as a dysfunctional family

When community sours you can feel abandoned, marginalized, and alone

Sometimes, the place God designed for community can leave you feeling lonely

Should you give up on Christian community in the church? No; I believe that Scripture holds encouragement on why it is important to give church a second chance

Pray

We Are Better Together (Ecc. 4:9-12)

Community and companionship are needed on the journey of life

Two are better than one!

Simple math tells us this is true, but do we always act like it in terms of relationships?

Lonliness is becoming an epidemic, and many people are finding out the hard way that a lack of companionship can have dire consequences

Share some of Meghan Good’s information on lonliness:

47% of adults say the often feel alone

35% of Americans over age 45 say they feel perptually lonely

Lonliness has the equivalent health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day

Social disconnection increases the rate of death by 29%

The author uses examples of a journey to make his point that 2 are better than 1

Fall during travel; cold nights on the road; bandits along the way… all about a journey

Likewise, we often talk of life as a journey

We have to work a bit harder to understand this from an ancient perspective… when they had to walk everywhere

Talk about Matt and Aimee going on the West Coast Trail

“The West Coast Trail (WCT) is an iconic backcountry, multi-day backpacking trail that is a bucket list challenge for many hikers. It is an experience that can bring even the most experienced hikers to their knees. Those who are well prepared physically, mentally, and equipment-wise, come away with tales of grit.

Hikers climb more than 100 ladders with a heavy pack, trudge through deep mud, wade through mountain-fed rivers in fast-flowing hip-deep waters, and push through whatever weather the wild West Coast delivers — often driving wind and rain.”

Community and companionship are crucial during difficult times

All three examples in Ecclesiastes are in how companions are helpful in time of need

Fall = pick you up (or at least use their cell phone)

Cold = lie together to keep warm

Briefly share story about Dad and Uncle BJ’s canoe trip

Beset by robbers = strength in numbers (someone to watch your back)

Of course, these are analogies for the journey of life

But the principle remains the same: You NEED community when you are going through trials

It is easy to believe you can make it on your own when everything is going great

There will come times in life when you need others around you to rely on

Ties back into last week; others can pray over you when you can’t continue on your own

The more, the merrier (threefold cord)

This is NOT referring to God/the HS!

Therefore, NOT about inviting God into your covenant of marriage

It is instead a common OT formula or number proverb (x, x+1) to indicate something in full or complete measure

Cf. Amos 1:3.

So what is meant that while two are better than one, three is even better. Taken to mean full measure, the Bible is teaching that when it comes to companionship and community, the more the merrier.

While you may have good Christian friends and family outside of the church, the church remains a unique setting of community that offers both quality AND quantity

Community Doesn’t Happen by Accident (Romans 12:9-18)

Open with story about first day of school at George Mac and how it is extra difficult to be lonely in a crowd

“Let love be genuine” (v. 9)

Real community can’t be faked; our love for one another must be genuine

Use “Is it Cake?” as an example (with pictures)

This doesn’t happen with church-growth strategies, tons of programs, fake smiles, etc.

Community takes intentional care and love towards one another

“Seek to show hospitality” (v. 13)

Hospitality was critical in the Jewish culture of Jesus’ time; it was important to open your home and share food (especially with those travelling or in need)

Hospitality is also in danger of becoming a lost art today

Signficant connection is made when you have someone come into your home and share a meal

Make fun of how weird it is to connect while stuffing your face with food

When was the last time you hosted someone from church?

“Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly” (v. 16)

The church of Christ was counter-cultural to Roman social structure

It was the ONLY place where high-ranking Roman officials and slaves would participate as equals

This did not come naturally; they had to work on this Christ-like community

I believe we can paraphrase this to say, “Do not be overly comfortable, but associate with those on the margins”

Have you been attending SBF for a long time? Have you found your people? Your community? Then make sure to extend that same opportunity to others

Newcomers, those from other cultures, SBC students, people not in your circles, those who do not “fit the mould” of church.

If we put all these points together, here is a challenge:

Invite a family (includes a single person!) who you have not connected with for a long time to come over for a meal (or coffee, or dessert)

Connection is Part of God’s Design (1 John 1:5-9)

Jesus offers relationship and connection that truly sustains

HE is the answer to the epidemic of lonliness; HE is the connection and community you need most

Fellowship with our Heavenly Father is available because “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (v. 7)

God is Holy (perfect and without sin); we are not; the blood shed by Jesus cleanses us so we can enter into a relationship with a holy God

Because of what Jesus has done, you are never alone

Even our relationship with Christ is designed to include others

Verse 7 goes differently than we expect

“fellowship with one another” instead of “fellowship” with God

This shows us that our relationship with God has always been designed to include others; to include the church community

It is not just what Jesus has done for you, but what He has done for us all

He has cleansed us a community, bringing us into relationship with God and holding us together in relationship with one another

Conclusion

So yes, we are better together

Not just about quantity; and quality of community takes work

Ultimately ties back to Jesus; He gives us a relationship with God that allows us to have relationships with each other