Commun-ity

-Intro myself and how we got here.

As I was preparing my heart for this Sunday, I really felt led to talk on community. Such a broad subject, but yet one that is so powerful.

Community is the currency of Heaven, and as a church it should be our first response.

Launch scripture:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Let’s Pray!

How many would say you are people watchers? (Stories from NYC)

I don’t think it’s no surprise that our culture today is very disconnected when it comes to community. For most of us, community is a burden and if we are honest a hassle. Currently we live in the most lonely generation to date.

I like to call us the headphones in/garage door opener generation. That’s across all age groups.

Listen to these statistics: -46 percent of Americans feel lonely -47 percent feel left out -43 percent report feeling isolated from others. Listen to this, those who use social media feel even more isolated and alone. Among millennials and Gen Z this is especially true.

In fact the lack of community and isolation is linked to the following issues: -Depression -Burnout -Mortality In fact in one study prolonged loneliness had more of a negative effect on health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Ok so clearly we see that being alone is not good. In fact we were not meant to be alone. God intended us for community and fellowship with each other.

I believe Jesus is calling the church to produce life giving community, what is life giving community?

Life giving community

-Produces spiritual fruit.

-Follows the ways of Jesus.

-Makes disciples.

If you remember anything today, I want you to remember this: One and Only point: Community is the heartbeat of Heaven, and when we make the effort to join in, we join the most life giving communion with Jesus.

So how do we do this?

1.) We make it not optional, but rather a necessity.

- First semester at SEU

-When we isolate ourselves, we lose so much of what the kingdom has to offer.

-God said in Genesis it’s not good for us to be alone, thats why He made two.

-In America we are not use to a community focused culture, but rather a culture based in individualism.

2.) We walk it out even when it’s messy.

-Woman at the well story. John 4:4-19

-Story of Donald coming to our church.

-Life change occurs at the feet of Jesus, and our job is to lead people to the feet of Jesus.

-What would East Pete look like when we invited people into life giving community, and it was messy?

3.) We live a life that is authentic and true to the character of Jesus.

-Glass house paradigm. This is how churches should look.

-People are so over fake powerless living, they are searching for something real and powerful.

-Becca and I’s story of helping others because we choose to live authentic.

-The blessing of Mount Joy and the community they have created.

Invite keys up.

closing:

My challenge and activation for you East Pete, is that you would walk in the power of community..

The Lord gave me a dream for you as I have been preparing this message. The dream was I saw a body on a table, and fresh life and blood was being pumped into it, and the Lord said “I have not forgotten about you East Pete, I have seen your works, and they please me greatly. And I am releasing a new season of change and life here.”

Pray and release impartation.