Building Community Through Shared Meals and Fellowship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we concluded our series on becoming better and stronger by exploring why Jesus came to earth and how He lived among us. Jesus left the perfection of heaven to give us life to the fullest, to serve rather than be served, and to introduce us to the love of the Father. He came eating and drinking, breaking bread with people, and doing life together. This act of sharing meals was more than just about food; it was about building community and experiencing God's presence together.
In the New Testament, meals were a central part of life and community. Jesus used this common necessity to create meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging. The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They were committed to doing life together, which led to miraculous signs and wonders among them. This sense of community and shared life is something we should strive for today.
Modern conveniences have made it easier to live independently, but they have also isolated us from one another. The air conditioner, attached garages, and even technology like caller ID and online shopping have reduced our face-to-face interactions. While these advancements have their benefits, they have also made it harder to build the kind of community that the early church experienced.
We need to prioritize breaking bread together, not just in church but in our daily lives. This means being intentional about spending time with other believers, sharing meals, and doing life together. It's about creating a committed community where we know each other deeply and support one another. This kind of community is not just beneficial; it's essential for our spiritual growth and for showing the love of Jesus to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Came to Serve and Introduce Us to the Father: Jesus left heaven to give us life to the fullest, serve others, and introduce us to the love of the Father. His mission was to reconnect us with God and show us how to live a life of service and love. [01:23]
2. The Importance of Breaking Bread Together: In the New Testament, breaking bread was about more than just eating; it was about building community and experiencing God's presence together. This practice fostered deep connections and a sense of belonging among believers. [03:53]
3. Modern Conveniences and Isolation: While modern conveniences like air conditioning and attached garages have made life easier, they have also isolated us from one another. We need to be intentional about creating opportunities for face-to-face interactions and building community. [14:33]
4. Commitment to Community: The early believers were devoted to fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. This commitment led to miraculous signs and wonders among them. We need to prioritize these practices in our lives to experience the same sense of community and spiritual growth. [09:04]
5. Shared Relationship with Jesus: Christianity is not about being independent; it's about being dependent on Jesus and each other. We need to share our relationship with Jesus with other believers, as iron sharpens iron, and grow together in community. [25:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?
[01:23] - Jesus Came to Serve
[02:43] - Jesus Came Eating and Drinking
[03:53] - Breaking Bread Together
[05:04] - The Power of Community
[06:22] - Lessons from Quarantine
[09:04] - Acts 2:42-47: A Picture of Community
[10:18] - The Impact of Fellowship
[11:36] - The Role of Food in Community
[14:33] - Modern Conveniences and Isolation
[17:07] - The Evolution of Communication
[19:40] - A Modern-Day Acts 2
[21:02] - The Importance of Church Community
[25:47] - Shared Relationship with Jesus
[28:00] - The Power of Presence
[31:15] - Prioritizing Church and Community
[35:44] - Re-engaging in Community
[39:23] - Connect Groups: Finding Your People
[41:02] - Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 7:34 - "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'"
2. Acts 2:42-47 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 7:34, how did Jesus come to earth, and what was He known for doing? [01:23]
2. What four practices did the early believers devote themselves to in Acts 2:42? [09:04]
3. How did the early church in Acts 2:44-45 demonstrate their commitment to one another? [10:18]
4. What was the result of the early believers' commitment to community as described in Acts 2:47? [13:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to come "eating and drinking" as mentioned in Luke 7:34? How does this method of ministry reflect His mission? [02:43]
2. In Acts 2:42-47, what impact did the believers' devotion to fellowship and breaking bread together have on their community and spiritual growth? [09:04]
3. How do modern conveniences, as discussed in the sermon, impact our ability to build community like the early church did? [14:33]
4. What does it mean to have a "shared relationship with Jesus" rather than just a personal one, according to the sermon? [25:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. How often do you intentionally share meals with other believers? What steps can you take to make this a more regular practice? [03:53]
2. The early church was committed to meeting each other's needs. Is there someone in your community who has a need you can help meet this week? How will you do it? [10:18]
3. Think about the modern conveniences that might be isolating you from others (e.g., air conditioning, attached garages, online shopping). What is one practical change you can make to increase face-to-face interactions? [14:33]
4. How can you prioritize breaking bread and fellowship in your daily life, not just on Sundays? What specific actions will you take to build deeper connections with your church community? [11:36]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of being present in the community. How can you ensure that you are not just attending church but actively engaging with others? [28:00]
6. Reflect on the idea of a "shared relationship with Jesus." How can you involve others in your spiritual journey to grow together in faith? [25:47]
7. The early church experienced miraculous signs and wonders due to their commitment to community. How can you foster a similar environment in your small group or church? [09:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Came to Serve and Introduce Us to the Father
Jesus left the perfection of heaven to give us life to the fullest, to serve rather than be served, and to introduce us to the love of the Father. His mission was to reconnect us with God and show us how to live a life of service and love. Jesus' life on earth was a demonstration of humility and selflessness, as He consistently put others' needs before His own. This is evident in His interactions with people, where He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the brokenhearted. His ultimate act of service was His sacrificial death on the cross, which provided a way for us to be reconciled with God.
Understanding Jesus' mission helps us to grasp the depth of God's love for us and the importance of living a life of service. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example by serving others and sharing the love of the Father with those around us. This means being attentive to the needs of others, offering a helping hand, and showing compassion and kindness in our daily interactions. By doing so, we not only honor Jesus' sacrifice but also become conduits of God's love in a world that desperately needs it. [01:23]
John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who could use a helping hand or a kind gesture today. How can you serve them in a way that reflects Jesus' love and humility?
Day 2: The Importance of Breaking Bread Together
In the New Testament, breaking bread was about more than just eating; it was about building community and experiencing God's presence together. Jesus often shared meals with His disciples and others, using these moments to teach, encourage, and build relationships. The act of sharing a meal created an environment of intimacy and fellowship, where people could connect on a deeper level and experience a sense of belonging.
The early believers understood the significance of breaking bread together and made it a central part of their community life. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This commitment to doing life together led to miraculous signs and wonders among them and fostered a strong sense of unity and support. In our modern world, where isolation is becoming more common, we need to prioritize these practices to build meaningful connections and experience the fullness of God's presence in our lives. [03:53]
Acts 2:46-47 (ESV): "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: Plan a meal with someone from your church or community this week. How can you use this time to build a deeper connection and experience God's presence together?
Day 3: Modern Conveniences and Isolation
While modern conveniences like air conditioning and attached garages have made life easier, they have also isolated us from one another. These advancements, along with technology like caller ID and online shopping, have reduced our face-to-face interactions and made it harder to build the kind of community that the early church experienced. While these conveniences have their benefits, they can also create barriers to meaningful connections and relationships.
To counteract this trend, we need to be intentional about creating opportunities for face-to-face interactions and building community. This means stepping out of our comfort zones, reaching out to others, and making an effort to connect on a personal level. By prioritizing these interactions, we can foster a sense of belonging and support that is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being. [14:33]
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: Identify one modern convenience that might be isolating you from others. How can you adjust your habits to create more opportunities for face-to-face interactions and build community?
Day 4: Commitment to Community
The early believers were devoted to fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. This commitment led to miraculous signs and wonders among them and created a strong sense of unity and support. They understood that doing life together was essential for their spiritual growth and for experiencing the fullness of God's presence. This sense of community and shared life is something we should strive for today.
To build this kind of community, we need to prioritize fellowship, shared meals, and prayer in our daily lives. This means being intentional about spending time with other believers, getting to know each other deeply, and supporting one another through life's challenges. By committing to these practices, we can create a community that reflects the love of Jesus and experiences the transformative power of God's presence. [09:04]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Think about your current level of commitment to your church community. What steps can you take to deepen your involvement and build stronger relationships with other believers?
Day 5: Shared Relationship with Jesus
Christianity is not about being independent; it's about being dependent on Jesus and each other. We need to share our relationship with Jesus with other believers, as iron sharpens iron, and grow together in community. This means being open and vulnerable about our faith journey, sharing our struggles and victories, and encouraging one another to grow in our relationship with Christ.
By sharing our relationship with Jesus, we can support each other in our spiritual growth and hold each other accountable. This mutual dependence creates a strong sense of unity and helps us to stay focused on our ultimate goal of becoming more like Christ. As we grow together in community, we can experience the fullness of God's love and presence in our lives. [25:47]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (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!"
Reflection: Reflect on your current relationships with other believers. How can you be more intentional about sharing your faith journey and supporting each other in your walk with Christ?
Quotes
1. "Jesus didn't come to be served. He came to serve others. So that's one of the reasons why he came and left heaven. But I ask again, why did Jesus come? Well, lots of amazing reasons, but I think the biggest one is he came to introduce us to the love of the father. He wanted us to know how awesome God was. Reconnect us back to him. He wanted to come and make the grand introduction himself." [01:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus was all about being with people, fellowshipping, doing life together. And if there's one thing that I learned, and I don't like talking about this history of time because the period of time, because it was kind of so crazy. But one thing that I learned about the quarantine of 2020 and all of that craziness is that I started to value together time, being together as a family, doing meals together." [05:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus was onto something with all this eating and drinking and doing life together because he knew that there was no better way to bring people together than over a meal. If you feed them, they will come. Amen. I mean, it's, it's one of those things. I don't care who it is. If you tell them there's going to be a meal there and it's going to be a good meal, people will show up. Even if they don't like it, they're going to show up and eat your food." [06:22] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The enemy wants to get you and I so busy that we become ships passing in the night. That we say hey to one another. We greet one another on Sundays. We shake hands. But then we don't see each other for seven more days. Because the enemy loves to isolate us, keep us at odds with one another. He wants you to do life alone. And if you've ever looked at the New Testament as a whole, the overarching theme of the New Testament is life together as believers, breaking bread together." [09:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had a need. And if you fast forward to Acts chapter 4, it wasn't long before no one in the church had need of anything because they were meeting the needs of everybody in their community. They took care of each other. They had each other's backs. It wasn't like they were meeting the needs of some random strangers. They were meeting the needs of their friends and their family, the people that they loved. If someone was in need, they met that need." [10:18] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Have you seen how many times we've talked about that they got together and that food was involved? Food was involved and they got together and they ate together. They did life together and God began to do miraculous things. They had such love and community among one another. They had fellowship. They had commitment. And there was such a loving nature to this group of people." [11:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If we become, if we become that kind of church where we really do that, there won't be an empty seat in this room. People crave that. People want it. Can you imagine that, that you're so committed to a group, to someone else that you really don't have needs of your own? I mean, that would be awesome to have that in your life, to not have any needs because those around you made sure you were taken care of." [13:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "To be a Christian actually means you have to be dependent upon being dependent. You can't be a Christian and fulfill your purpose being independent because we're a body. You can't do life alone. You can't save yourself. You can't fellowship fellowship you gotta have other people to do that so the literal definition of being a Christian means being completely completely dependent upon the grace of Jesus and his presence and other believers." [22:08] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You can't get saved and fly solo. You can't get saved and grow and be the person that God's called you to be always doing life by yourself. It's not designed. God didn't design it to be that way. We live it and we walk it out together in community. And life with Jesus is better when it's shared." [25:47] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Jesus broke bread with people. He came eating and drinking. He didn't eat a meal on a Zoom call while they were eating their meal on a Zoom call. And if that's all you can do, I get it. But there's nothing like physically being in the presence of other people. They thought Jesus was the party guy because all he did is he came eating and drinking and celebrating life with one another. And I at 100% can get on board with that." [33:12] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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