We are the Church - Week 2

Making things right

Hebrews 10:19–25 CEB

Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the holy of holies by means of Jesus’ blood, through a new and living way that he opened up for us through the curtain, which is his body, and we have a great high priest over God’s house. Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water. Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable. And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.

Text: Topic: Community, Commitment, the Church, Isolation Big Idea of the Message: Our faith must be based on a personal relationship with Jesus, but we can’t do it alone; we must pursue genuine community with other believers. Application Point: Rather than attending church on a come-and-go basis, we should strive to be connected to an authentic, godly community.

Sermon Ideas and Talking Points:

AmericanindividualismhasemphasizedapersonalrelationshipwithGodtothe point that many people who call themselves Christians think community, walking together in life-to-life accountability, is optional. But intentional Christian community is a nonnegotiable part of being a healthy and effective believer. “Christianity is not a religion for solitude and solitary. The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion” - John Wesley.

Thedevilislikealion,lookingforsomeonetodevour(see1Peter5:8).This video shows how lions like to hunt by isolating a target: http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/worlds-deadliest/deadliest-lions- zebra?source=relatedvideo. As the video say, the “first rule of the safari” is this: “always stay with the group!” (see 1:38 in the video). The same rule applies to believers. If we become isolated, we weaken ourselves and become more

vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. [Note to the Pastor: This video contains violence within nature, as a lion hunts and kills and eats its prey, so be sure to preview it for appropriateness in your setting. Also, make sure you have permission to play this video to your congregation.]

Drive-intheatersareacompletelydifferentexperiencethanwatchingamoviein a traditional theater. At the drive-in, you can bring your own snacks, stay in your own car, and enjoy the show without even having to say “excuse me” to another person in order to get to your seat. At the drive-in, you could show up to the movie in your pajamas, and no one would have to know. You have the comfort and convenience of a little privacy. Some Christians would love a drive-in option for church (or a TV or online option): don’t touch anyone, don’t talk to anyone, just watch the show in your pajamas, and go home when it’s over. But it is going to be pretty difficult to walk in relationship with people the way God intends for us to if we never get out of our car!

Usethisweektohighlightyoursmallgroupministry.Considerhavingaperson from your congregation share his or her testimony prepared beforehand about how God has used community/small groups to enrich his/her life.

Pointyourcongregationtoconnecttoasmallgroupinaclearandeasyway;for example, you might provide a handout with group leaders’ names, meeting places and times, and contact information.