Active Participation: Embracing Community in the Church
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the importance of community and participation within the church. The speaker emphasized the need for us to move from being mere consumers of church services to active participants in the body of Christ. This call to action was accompanied by a prayer for God to fill us with His spirit and guide us into deeper levels of community. The speaker also highlighted the significance of the Lord's Supper, a sacred ceremony that has been observed by the church for the past 2000 years. This ceremony, which involves the breaking of bread and drinking of wine, serves as a reminder of Jesus' death and resurrection.
The sermon also touched on the different perceptions and experiences people have of the church. The speaker acknowledged that our experiences, whether positive or negative, largely shape our understanding and feelings about the church. He also pointed out that churches can vary greatly in their practices, traditions, and beliefs. Despite these differences, the speaker emphasized that the church is a place for community and connection. He encouraged us to not just look for a "good" church, but to actively participate and contribute to the community within the church.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of active participation in the church community, rather than just consumption of church services ([42:33])
- The significance of the Lord's Supper as a reminder of Jesus' death and resurrection ([44:16])
- Our experiences and perceptions of the church can greatly vary, but the church should be a place for community and connection ([05:57])
- The need for confession and reconciliation with God before partaking in the Lord's Supper ([45:16])
- The church should not just be a place we attend, but a community we actively contribute to and participate in ([08:21])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:42 - #!!16:18!!#
2. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - #!!15:17!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key elements of the first church as described in Acts 2:42?
2. How do the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) contribute to our understanding of what a church is?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the description of the first church in Acts 2:42 inform our understanding of what a church should be today?
2. How do the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels shape the purpose and function of a church?
Application Questions:
1. How can you contribute to creating a sense of community in your church, as described in Acts 2:42?
2. In what ways can you apply the teachings of Jesus from the Gospels in your interactions within your church community?
3. Can you identify a time when your church community supported you in a way that reflects the unity described in Acts 2:42?
4. How can you encourage others in your church to live out the teachings of Jesus as described in the Gospels?
5. What is one way you can demonstrate the unity and community of the church to someone who is not a part of your church?
Devotional
Day 1: Devotion to the Apostles' Teaching
The first followers of Jesus were devoted to the teachings of the apostles. This devotion was not haphazard or unintentional, but a steadfast commitment. They sought to understand and live out the teachings of Jesus as passed on by the apostles, forming the foundation of their faith and community ([23:56]).
Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding and application of the apostles' teachings in your daily life?
Day 2: Devotion to Prayer
Prayer was a central part of the early church's devotion. They came together to speak to God about one another, expressing their needs, hopes, and confessions. This practice of communal prayer strengthened their faith and unity ([20:29]).
Colossians 4:2 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Reflection: How can you incorporate communal prayer into your daily routine?
Day 3: Devotion to the Sacraments
The early church was devoted to the sacraments, particularly baptism and the Lord's Supper. These sacraments were not just rituals, but meaningful representations of their faith and commitment to Christ ([21:03]).
1 Corinthians 11:26 - "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
Reflection: How do the sacraments deepen your understanding and experience of your faith?
Day 4: Devotion to Generosity
The early church was marked by a profound sense of generosity. They were willing to sacrifice their own comfort and possessions to meet the needs of others in their community ([21:33]).
Acts 4:32 - "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had."
Reflection: How can you practice generosity in your daily life?
Day 5: Devotion to Community
The early church was not just a gathering of individuals, but a devoted community. They lived their lives together, supporting and encouraging one another in their faith journey ([22:06]).
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you foster a sense of community in your church and personal relationships?
Quotes
1. "When we think about church, a lot of us have spent time trying to find a good church. We're looking for something with solid Biblical teaching, something that seems warm and welcoming and embraces people of all different lifestyles and backgrounds. But if you spend any time going to churches, you'll quickly find out the churches are very, very different." - 08:20
2. "Jesus says the way that we represent to the world that we follow Jesus is by the way that we love one another. And when most people are outside the church and they look into the church, what they do not see is a loving group of people who are selflessly forgiving one another, supporting one another, encouraging one another, and loving each other." - 32:26
3. "The first church and the followers of Jesus devoted themselves to these five things: the teachings of the Apostles, prayer, the sacraments, generosity, and community. These were not things that they did haphazardly or unintentionally, but in a steadfast continuing, they committed their life to one another and through that to live out these five things." - 23:21
4. "We have an understanding of what makes a church a church and if we're in search of church then what is the thing that we are frequently missing? I think for many people in their search for a church, what they're really missing is the steadfast continuing in community." - 26:34
5. "Church is more than consuming spiritual material. It's way more than consumption. It's about being part of a community, a unified body of individuals. And if we don't understand our connection to the community, well we can't experience what it means to be part of the church." - 26:34
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