Living in community

Together we stand

Aim of series: We are going to focus on together we stand, the power of Christian community. It will focus on the “us” as a family, as a church, as a spiritual family. It will bring in both the blessings and the responsibilities of belonging to God’s people.

Lesson one: Created for community

Lesson two: One body, many members

Lesson three: The bond of love

Lesson four: Building up one another

Lesson five: Serving with one heart

Lesson six: resolving conflict and restoring unity

Lesson seven: Witness to the world

Lesson eight: Life together (summary of series; wrap-up)

Created for community

God from the beginning created us for community (Genesis 2:18) “18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.””

There is strength in community (turn to Ecclesiastes 4:9–12) “9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”

God saw that it was not good for man to be alone.

Living in community provides support, accountability and shared strength.

The early church modeled joyful, committed community.

Application: Embrace, or learn to embrace intentional relationships with the Christian community, the church, invest in community as the early church did, looking for the common good.

Our church community example

(turn to Acts 2:42–47 “42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Christian community, authentic Christian community provides a safe space and place for sharing one another’s burdens, celebrating victories, encouraging, fostering spiritual growth.

If we want to grow spiritually and physically we need to continue to look at our Christian community for it is essential for growth, in faith, love, support all in a loving environment.

Commitment to teaching

When you think of the word devoted, what does that mean to you? What are you devoted to? (Devoted: To appropriate by vow; to set apart to dedicate by a solemn act; to consecrate. No devoted thing that a man shall devote to the Lord--shall be sold or redeemed. - KJV Bible Dictionary)

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching.

What was the teaching, that Jesus is the Messiah, and eternal life if found only through Him. It was the gospel message, the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies.

They were devoted to fellowship, to one another, to live in community, to serve and help in community.

They were devoted to breaking of bread. To the Lord’s Supper, and to sharing meals together in each others homes.

They were devoted to prayer. They knew there was power in prayer. Jesus gave an example of prayer and now that had been fulfilled through Him and they were devoted to prayer to walk in accordance to His will, and for prayer for one another.

Cultivating Generosity (Act2:44-45)

All were in it together, they were a newly formed community and needed one another

They had all things in common, what things, Jesus, rejection by the religious community, they were sharing all things in common. they were fostering a supportive environment where needs were met and unity was strengthened.

This was not a mandate, it was a choice, a commitment to help one another

Community worship and witness (Act2:46-47)

This commitment was an everyday thing, not a one day thing.

They had one mind, the mind of Christ (consider Php2:5).

They we continuing to worship in the temple, that is what they were accustomed too. They were Jews one day, and Christians the next, and they were sharing meals in one another’s houses day by day together, with gladness and sincerity of heart.

Notice they, collectively were praising God and having favor with all the people. And, the Lord was adding to the number daily those being saved.

Their joy, their commitment, their outreach to one another, their worship was evident and it was a draw to others to come to inquire about the Lord and to be added to the numbers.

Unity

I still have some time today left, and without a doubt living in unity in community is important and our passage is pivotal. Unity is a powerful force that draws people together in Christ and unites us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Unity of doctrine (Act2:42; Rom10:17) Romans 10:17 “17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” - they placed their faith in Jesus Christ to receive their salvation. Unity in doctrine about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

They were united in God’s word, It was true, it brought faith, it brought salvation. It was Holy Spirit inspired and was useful.

Devoted to unity of study of God’s word, the apostles doctrine. Not just a casual reading but studying of God’s word so to be equipped for every good work.

Jesus, the apostles were dedicated and devoted to the word, may we be people devoted to the word too, more than just Sunday and Wednesday, but daily.

Unity in Fellowship, with one heart and one mind (Act2:42-46) - this does not mean they did not have any differences at all. it does mean that they were connected in Christ, through Christ by the Holy Spirit with commonality of heart and mind for Christ. A shared community, unity, Koinonia a spiritual connection to one another. This connection goes beyond any social or cultural barriers there may have been, or economic barriers for we are all part of a family, that’s been born again. We are equipped to love God and love one another, to encouraged and edify one another, to pray for one another and yes, even to correct one another when needed. To be united in serving one another in love. So, ask yourself are you an isolated believer or are you engaged in Christian community, a part of Church family?

Unity in worship - breaking of bread and prayer (Act2:46) - unity in worship was a part of their daily lives. Not only going to the temple to be taught the word, but also breaking bread together and praying together. Hospitality is an important ministry a part of living in community and is essential for us to stay connected, to be connected, to grow in unity and in community together.

We need to ask ourselves at times are we building a lifestyle of shared worship, living in community, unity in worship, in breaking of bread, and prayer. Are we joining together or going at it alone?

Unity in mission - growth and salvation (Act2:47) God causes the growth 1 Corinthians 3:6 “6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.” - - - we cannot save anybody, but God can save everybody who is willing to come to Him in surrender through Jesus. Are we a good witness to the word of Jesus working in us and through us?

Living in community, living in unity in community is not just a goal, it is evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in the church. I ask each to do their part to be devoted to the teaching, to worship, to generosity, to worship, let us not attend church, let us be the church.

(Insert Be the Church slide)