People of More: Love More

People of More

We at the Avenue G Church of Christ have the mission statement of being people of more. We genuinely believe that if we are engaged with being People of More God is well pleased with us. Every member of the Avenue G church of Christ should be focused on these four elements.

Learn More

Love More

Do More

Teach More

Today our focus is on Love More. When looking at the step of Love More we are putting forth a focus on the relationship among and between the brothers and sisters in Christ. I often push forth the quote

“The opposite of love is not hate but indifference.”

Indifferent- Marked by impartiality. That does not matter one way or the other. Of no importance or value one way or the other.

Illustration: A husband wants to do something special for his wife for his anniversary so he begins to plan the perfect night out! He maneuvers the budget to allow for a special night, he takes off from work in order to be fresh, and he finds childcare for the children. He then asks his wife of many years the question that will help to ensure that the night is perfect “Where would you like to eat?” He eagerly awaits her response as if he is about to devour what will make the night perfect and the wife responds with an appetizer of three words “I doesn’t matter...” The husband taken back by her indifference responds with the same words and his night is ruined! He feels this way because his effort is not met with the same effort. Indifference among brothers and sisters in the church will take a strong and thriving church and turn it into a skeleton crew. It will promote burnout. The only way in which we can ensure that we carry out the mission of God is to have a strong healthy body. Without love that is impossible. This morning we will take a look at the first Christians and what promoted a strong and healthy community.

Love

Acts 2:41–47 ESV

41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:41 ESV

41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

OK we’re the body! We are Christians! What comes next?

acts

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Apostles Teaching

When the church is focused on learning they collectively have purpose.

Since it is impossible to know/memorize the whole counsel of God. What I glean may stick and you may need and vice versa. Our purpose is outward driven.

Fellowship

This word is packed with meaning.

Contribution

Sharing

Commonality and relationship among people

Breaking of Bread

A focus upon the reason for their being, Christ.

Prayers

A seeking out of the Father. A pursuit of the Father through which all blessings flow.

Acts

Acts 2:43 ESV

43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

When the church is consumed with their roles and duty, God’s men are able to duplicate what started the great event of Pentecost.

acts 2 22-

Acts 2:22–24 ESV

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

Here we see Peter explaining the signs and wonders that made the day of Pentecost so special. The church showing love toward each other makes it possible for these powerful actions of God to continue.

Acts 2:44–45 ESV

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

A denial of self is seen through the actions of this community.

Acts 2:46 ESV

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

Acts 2:47 ESV

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Please understand that fellowship among the church equates to a productive church/congregation. Outside folks will look at you with favor and God will add to the church.

Also understand the dangers if you only Love each other. The mission given by Jesus in is stunted because you only care for those within and have indifference towards those without. God will appoint things to prompt this to happen.