Church Connection

INTRO

Imagine for a moment a crackling fire on a cold winters night. It flickers with warmth and light, a beacon of hope in a cold, shadowy world.

Now, picture an ember slowly being pulled away from the fire, isolated from its source of heat. Over time, what happens?

The glow begins to fade, the warmth dissipates, and before long, it’s just a cold, lifeless piece of coal, forgotten and alone.

This vivid image is not just a depiction of a piece of coal; it represents many of us in our spiritual journeys.

When we disconnect from the vibrant fire of a local body of believers—the church—we risk becoming like that solitary ember, losing our warmth, our light, and our purpose.

Today, as we gather here, I want to dive into the profound truth that God has designed us to thrive in community, not isolation. Just as that ember needs the fire to keep burning bright, we, too, need each other to grow, to encourage one another, and to fulfill our calling as followers of Christ. Let’s explore together why being connected to a local body of believers is not just beneficial, but essential for our spiritual well-being.

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MESSAGE

Sermon Title: Walking Together: The Power of Christ-Centered Community

Theme: Embracing authentic community as essential for a victorious faith life.

Hebrews 10:23–25 ESV

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

I. Holding Firm to Our Hope

Hebrews 10:23 “23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

A. Anchored in Doctrine

“He who promised is faithful”

Numbers 23:19 “19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”

Hebrews 13:8 “8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

1 Timothy 4:1 “1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,”

Quote: God is the most obligated being that there is. He is obligated by his own nature. He is infinite in his wisdom; therefore he can never do anything that is unwise. He is infinite in his justice; therefore he can never do anything that is unjust. He is infinite in his goodness; therefore he can never do anything that is not good. He is infinite in his truth; therefore it is impossible that he should lie.

J. Gresham Machen

Illustration: A ship anchored in a storm, steady and secure despite the waves.

B. Community in Covenant

“the confession of our hope”

Acts 2:44 “44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”

Ephesians 4:4–6 “4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Philippians 2:2 “2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

1 Corinthians 11:25 “25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.””

C. Strengthened by Faith

“Let us hold fast” - - “without wavering”

Romans 4:19–25 “19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”

Quote: “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” – Oswald Chambers

Illustration: A mountain climber relies on the strength of the rope and the team to reach the summit.

Application: Encourage the congregation to hold fast to hope by immersing themselves in a supportive community that reminds them of God’s promises.

II. Provoking One Another

Hebrews 10:24 “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”

A. Intentional Concern

“Let us consider how to”

Ephesians 4:15–16 “15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Hebrews 3:13 “13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Quote: “True community is based on the profound truth that we need each other.” – Henri Nouwen

Illustration: A symphony orchestra creates beautiful music only when each musician plays their part.

B. Loving Deeds

“love and good works”

“Love Acts”

Galatians 6:9–10 “9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

John 13:35 “35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.””

John 15:12–13 “12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Quote: “The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.” – John Burroughs

Illustration: A gardener’s consistent care leads to a flourishing garden.

C. Creating Accountability

“stir up one another” = provoke

Proverbs 27:17 “17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Romans 14:12 “12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

Genesis 4:9 “9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?””

James 5:20 “20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Quote: “Accountability breeds response-ability.” – Stephen R. Covey

Illustration: A workout partner who motivates you to keep going, even when it’s tough.

Application: Challenge the congregation to actively engage in community life, spurring each other toward love and good works.

III. Meeting Together Regularly

Hebrews 10:25 “25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

A. Prioritizing Fellowship

“not neglecting to meet together”

Acts 2:42 “42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 “9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”

Romans 12:10 “10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Colossians 3:13–14 “13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Quote: “The church is not a building, but a people who gather.” – Rick Warren

Illustration: A vine that thrives because it is connected to the support of the trellis.

B. Encouraging One Another

“encourage one another all the more”

Colossians 3:16 “16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Hebrews 3:13 “13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Quote: “We are called to be people of encouragement, speaking life into others.” – Christine Caine

Illustration: A relay team that cheers for each runner, making the journey together.

C. Preparing for Christ’s Return

“you see the day drawing near”

Revelation 22:12 “12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.”

Romans 13:11 “11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”

Matthew 24:42–44 “42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Quote: “We must live as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back tomorrow.” – Martin Luther

Illustration: A family eagerly preparing their home for a beloved guest.

Application: Inspire the congregation to prioritize regular fellowship, fostering encouragement and readiness for Christ’s return.

Conclusion: Invite the congregation to embrace a Christ-centered community, understanding that authentic relationships are vital for a victorious and faithful walk with God.

As we draw our time together to a close, I want you to reflect once more on that ember—the solitary piece of coal that, when separated from the fire, loses its brilliance and warmth. Each of us has the potential to shine brightly, to bring light and warmth to those around us, but only when we remain connected to the source of our strength and to one another.

Just as embers thrive in a blazing fire, so too do we flourish in heartfelt community. Let's not forget that we are called to support, uplift, and encourage each other. Each conversation, every shared meal, and every prayer offered in unity fans the flames of our faith, igniting passion and purpose in our lives.

I encourage you to engage deeply within this local body of believers. Seek out connections, invest in relationships, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Let’s gather together not just as attendees but as family—burning brightly as we walk alongside one another in our journeys of faith.

As we leave today, remember: your light shines brightest when it's kindled in community. Let’s commit to being that vibrant fire together, embracing the warmth and love that comes from being connected, encouraging one another, and reflecting the love of Christ in our lives. Go out and be that light!

GROUP QUESTIONS

How can holding firm to God’s promises help us in challenging times?

In what ways have you been encouraged by your community of believers?

How does/should strengthening our faith impact our daily lives and decisions?

What are some practical ways we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds?

Why is accountability important in a Christ-centered community? How does Proverbs 27:17 help inform you?

Read Ephesians 4:15-16: How do you think we can encourage growth in our faith communities?

Why is meeting together regularly so crucial for our spiritual health?

What elements of the early church’s fellowship can we better incorporate into our own gatherings?

How might you effectively encourage one another through your words and actions?

How does/should living in anticipation of Christ’s return influence the way we engage with our community?