Real Followers Live in Community

We live in a society that is extremely lonely.

Some of you have experienced this feeling first hand and you have not wanted to complain for one reason or another

As a country we are going to have to deal with this epidemic of loneliness.

I believe that real followers have the answers and we’re going to need to communicate those answers.

The world is definitely communicating their answers to the problem.

One solution that’s offered is to simply dull the pain of loneliness with destructive behavior (addictions and habits).

To point out how lonely people can be, Charles Swindoll mentioned an ad in a Kansas newspaper. It read, "I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.00." Swindoll said, "Sounds like a hoax, doesn’t it? But the person was serious. Did anybody call? You bet. It wasn’t long before this individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day.

Larry Crabb, "Community matters."

That’s about like saying oxygen matters. Community is essential in a healthy Church. As our lungs require air, so our souls require what only community provides.

We are designed by God (who himself is a group of three persons living in profound relationship with each other) to live in relationship.

The best way you can tell if you experience community is by answering this question:

How often during the week do I get together with people with a spiritual purpose in mind?

CS Lewis, "Christ works on us in all sorts of ways…But above all He works on us through each other”

I. They Devoted

Acts 2:42 CSB

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

Acts 2:46 CSB

46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts,

Devoted - To Stand or Be Ready / A Personal Attendant

To What?

Apostles Teachings

Fellowship - The Greek word used here (koinōnia) is one Paul often employed, but it appears only here in all of Luke-Acts. Its basic meaning is “association, communion, fellowship, close relationship

Breaking of Bread

Prayer

II. Themselves

Notice themselves - plural - not singular

Acts 2:42–47 CSB

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Sharing -

Unity - all things in common

III. Gathering

Acts 2:46–47 CSB

46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.