Better Together: Embracing Community and Mission
Summary
As we embark on Holy Week, it's a time filled with opportunities for community engagement and spiritual growth. This week, we have numerous events planned, including 18 egg hunts across various locations, which serve as a bridge to invite people to our Easter services. These events are not just about fun; they are about creating connections that can lead to life-changing encounters with Jesus. As we prepare for the Good Friday service and the Easter weekend, I encourage you to consider attending one service and serving at another. This is a chance to make room for guests and to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Reflecting on the Boston Celtics' transformation in 2008, we see the power of unity and sacrifice. Just as the Celtics' success was rooted in their willingness to work together, our church's mission thrives when we embrace the core value that "we are better together." Ecclesiastes 4 reminds us of the strength found in community, emphasizing that two are better than one. This principle is foundational to our church's vision and mission.
We are better together in three key areas: gathering, serving, and mission. Gathering as a church is not just a suggestion; it's a biblical command. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to meet together, encouraging one another as we see the day approaching. Our gatherings are a time to spur each other on, to celebrate victories, and to support one another in challenges.
In serving, we are called to use our unique gifts as part of a larger body. Romans 12 highlights the diversity of gifts within the church, and when we serve together, we create a harmonious expression of worship. Each role, whether visible or behind the scenes, contributes to the greater mission of the church.
Finally, we are better together in mission. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is a collective call to make disciples. This Easter, we have a unique opportunity to invite others to experience the love of Christ. Our mission is not just about maintaining a community but about reaching out and expanding the kingdom of God.
Key Takeaways:
- Unity in Community: Ecclesiastes 4 teaches us that we are stronger together. In a world that often celebrates individualism, the Bible calls us to community, where we find support, strength, and encouragement. This unity is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling God's mission. [08:51]
- The Power of Gathering: Gathering as a church is more than a routine; it's a divine command. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of meeting together to encourage and spur one another on. Our presence in these gatherings strengthens our faith and builds a supportive community. [10:21]
- Serving as a Team: Romans 12 reminds us that each of us has unique gifts meant to serve the body of Christ. When we serve together, we create a symphony of worship that glorifies God. Our collective efforts in serving amplify our impact and fulfill our mission. [16:34]
- Mission-Driven Church: The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is a call for collective action. We are not just individuals on a mission; we are a united force, mobilized to make disciples and share the love of Christ. Our mission is to reach beyond our walls and impact the world. [27:08]
- Commitment to Community: Prioritizing church attendance and involvement is crucial for spiritual growth. By committing to regular participation, we align ourselves with God's design for community and open ourselves to transformation and deeper relationships. [14:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:51] - The Boston Celtics' Transformation
- [05:46] - Vision of Unity and Sacrifice
- [07:45] - Embracing "Better Together"
- [08:51] - Ecclesiastes 4: Strength in Community
- [09:35] - The Power of Numbers
- [10:21] - Importance of Gathering
- [11:10] - Encouragement in Community
- [12:07] - Acts 2: Early Church Model
- [13:23] - Church Attendance Statistics
- [14:12] - Prioritizing Church Attendance
- [15:18] - Serving Together
- [16:34] - Serve Team Concept
- [19:09] - The Role of Music in Worship
- [23:42] - Collective Worship Experience
- [27:08] - Mission and the Great Commission
- [31:45] - Transformation Through Community
- [34:29] - Invitation to Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
- Hebrews 10:24-25
- Matthew 28:18-20
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, what are the benefits of having a companion or being part of a community? How does this passage illustrate the concept of being "better together"? [08:51]
2. In Hebrews 10:24-25, what specific actions are believers encouraged to take when they gather together? How does this relate to the importance of church gatherings mentioned in the sermon? [10:21]
3. How does the story of the Boston Celtics' transformation illustrate the power of unity and sacrifice? What parallels can be drawn between their story and the church's mission? [05:46]
4. What is the significance of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, and how does it relate to the church's mission of making disciples? [27:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the principle of "two are better than one" in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 apply to the church's mission and community life? What might this look like in practical terms? [08:51]
2. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes not neglecting to meet together. Why might some people neglect gathering, and what are the potential consequences of doing so? [10:21]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of laying aside personal preferences for the sake of unity. How can this be challenging, and what are the potential benefits of doing so within a church community? [07:45]
4. In what ways does the Great Commission call for collective action rather than individual effort? How can this understanding impact the way a church approaches its mission? [27:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in church gatherings. How can you prioritize attending and participating more regularly, especially during significant events like Easter? [14:12]
2. Consider the unique gifts you have. How can you use them to serve within your church community, and what steps can you take to join a serve team if you're not already involved? [16:34]
3. Think about someone in your life who might be open to attending a church service. How can you extend a personal invitation to them for an upcoming event, such as Easter services? [27:08]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of unity in mission. How can you contribute to fostering a sense of unity within your church, especially when differences arise? [07:45]
5. Reflect on the idea that "Sunday morning church is a Saturday night decision." How can you prepare yourself and your family to prioritize church attendance each week? [15:18]
6. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission by making disciples in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share the love of Christ with someone. [27:08]
7. Consider the role of community in your spiritual growth. How can you engage more deeply with your church community to support and be supported by others? [08:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Community
Reflecting on the importance of unity, Ecclesiastes 4 teaches us that we are stronger together. In a world that often celebrates individualism, the Bible calls us to community, where we find support, strength, and encouragement. This unity is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling God's mission. As we engage in community activities, such as the upcoming Easter events, we create opportunities for life-changing encounters with Jesus. By prioritizing unity, we align ourselves with God's design for His people. [08:51]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today to offer support or encouragement, and how can you make this a regular practice?
Day 2: The Power of Gathering
Gathering as a church is more than a routine; it's a divine command. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of meeting together to encourage and spur one another on. Our presence in these gatherings strengthens our faith and builds a supportive community. As we approach the Easter weekend, consider how your participation in church gatherings can be a source of encouragement to others and a testament to your commitment to spiritual growth. [10:21]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you make attending church gatherings a priority in your life, and who can you invite to join you this week?
Day 3: Serving as a Team
Romans 12 reminds us that each of us has unique gifts meant to serve the body of Christ. When we serve together, we create a symphony of worship that glorifies God. Our collective efforts in serving amplify our impact and fulfill our mission. As you consider your role in the church, think about how you can use your gifts to serve others and contribute to the greater mission of the church. [16:34]
Romans 12:4-6 (ESV): "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith."
Reflection: What unique gifts do you have that you can use to serve your church community, and how can you start using them this week?
Day 4: Mission-Driven Church
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is a call for collective action. We are not just individuals on a mission; we are a united force, mobilized to make disciples and share the love of Christ. Our mission is to reach beyond our walls and impact the world. This Easter, we have a unique opportunity to invite others to experience the love of Christ. Consider how you can be part of this mission and make a difference in the lives of those around you. [27:08]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to church this Easter, and how can you share the love of Christ with them in a meaningful way?
Day 5: Commitment to Community
Prioritizing church attendance and involvement is crucial for spiritual growth. By committing to regular participation, we align ourselves with God's design for community and open ourselves to transformation and deeper relationships. As you reflect on your commitment to your church community, consider how you can deepen your involvement and encourage others to do the same. [14:12]
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to your church community, and how can you encourage others to join you in this journey?
Quotes
1. "This is instead a vision of the advancement of the kingdom of God, where the Bible says every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we have an invitation to participate on a vision of that scale and of that size, but here's what it's gonna mean. The exact same thing Doc Rivers told the big three. You're gonna have to lay aside your preferences." [00:07:45] (25 seconds)
2. "You're gonna have to lay aside your stats. You're gonna have to lay aside your desires and be willing to come together because ultimately the way we're gonna experience the fulfillment of this vision is the fourth core value of United City Church, and you embrace this idea. We're better together. We are better together." [00:08:10] (24 seconds)
3. "Literally we mean you can do more together than you could ever do on your own. This is true in sports teams. This is true in families. This is especially true when it comes to the church. There are many reasons for this, but primarily it's because God created us not to be individuals, but God created us for community." [00:08:36] (25 seconds)
4. "The Bible says we were created and we operate best when we live and experience community. And that's what happens when the people of God act as a team instead of operate their Christian lives like they are alone. It is for this reason that we do certain things the way that we do at United City Church." [00:09:48] (20 seconds)
5. "The world celebrates individual accomplishments. The Bible celebrates community. I want to walk through three areas where I believe that God has designed us to be better together. First one is this. We're better together in our gathering." [00:10:07] (17 seconds)
6. "Hebrews chapter 10 verse 24 and 25 says it clearly. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day drawing near." [00:10:43] (18 seconds)
7. "The idea of us wanting to encourage and gather together is not just a suggestion. Hey, this would be a good idea if you look into it. It's a command. There's this idea that we should like want to get together and want to see each other. When we gather, there's like something unique that happens in this place." [00:11:09] (18 seconds)
8. "Acts chapter two, verses 42 through 47. It reads, and they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And all came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common." [00:12:03] (20 seconds)
9. "And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all has any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." [00:12:23] (22 seconds)
10. "Two things I want to mention from this passage. One, the great success and the influence the people had. I mean, the church was blowing up. The church was growing. The church was expanding. But it wasn't just numerics. Also, it said there that everyone who had need, all of those needs were getting met. People were serving. People were helping each other." [00:12:44] (19 seconds)
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