Building Genuine Community Through Intentional Relationships
Summary
In our journey as a church, we have been exploring what it means to move forward together as a community of believers. Reflecting on our past, we have seen the buildings we've occupied and the challenges we've faced, all of which have shaped us into Parma Christian Fellowship Church. However, our focus is not just on where we've been, but on where we are going and how we will get there. This series, "Moving Forward," has guided us through understanding our leadership roles, the importance of serving, and now, the essence of community.
Today, we delve into Acts 2:42-47, which paints a picture of the early church as a vibrant, living community. The believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. They lived in awe of the miraculous works among them, shared their possessions, and worshiped together with joy and generosity. This passage challenges us to embody these principles in our own community, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and shared experiences.
In our modern world, we are more connected than ever through technology, yet many feel isolated and lonely. This paradox highlights the need for genuine relationships and community. We are called to move beyond superficial connections and invest in meaningful relationships. This involves not just sitting in rows during services but engaging in circles—small groups where we can share our lives, support one another, and grow together.
As we look to the future, we are reminded that being a living community of Jesus Christ requires active participation. It takes leadership, service, and a commitment to building relationships. We are invited to say yes to community involvement, to prioritize our time with others, and to be intentional about where we invest our energy. By doing so, we create a space where memories are made, and lives are transformed.
Key Takeaways:
- Community and Connection: In a world where technology connects us superficially, true community requires intentional relationships. We must move beyond digital interactions to face-to-face connections, where we can support and encourage one another in our faith journey. [07:00]
- The Power of Fellowship: Acts 2:42-47 illustrates the early church's commitment to fellowship, teaching, and shared meals. This model challenges us to prioritize communal worship and shared experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. [04:33]
- Rows and Circles: While rows in church services are important for communal worship, circles—small groups—are where deeper connections and personal growth occur. These intimate settings allow us to share our lives and build lasting relationships. [10:10]
- Intentional Time Investment: Our time is a valuable resource, and how we choose to spend it reflects our priorities. By investing time in community activities and relationships, we align ourselves with God's purpose and build a supportive network. [18:16]
- Active Participation: Moving forward as a church requires everyone's involvement. By serving in various capacities and sharing our gifts, we contribute to a thriving community that reflects the love of Jesus. [19:35]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:35] - Reflecting on Our Journey
[03:19] - Leadership and Service
[04:33] - Acts 2:42-47: A Living Community
[05:44] - The Importance of Community
[07:00] - Modern Connectivity vs. Loneliness
[08:01] - The Need for Relationships
[08:46] - Rows and Circles
[10:10] - Building Memories in Circles
[11:08] - Stories of Community
[12:29] - The Value of Shared Experiences
[13:56] - Choosing to Invest in Community
[14:50] - Testimonies and Transformation
[18:16] - Prioritizing Our Time
[19:06] - Serving and Sharing Meals
[19:35] - Opportunities for Involvement
[20:50] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 2:42-47 (New Living Translation)
#### Observation Questions
1. What activities did the early believers devote themselves to according to Acts 2:42-47? How did these activities contribute to their sense of community?
2. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the importance of community and shared experiences? [12:29]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between "rows" and "circles" in the context of church gatherings? [08:46]
4. What role does technology play in our modern sense of connection and isolation, as discussed in the sermon? [07:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the model of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 challenge modern believers in terms of community involvement and generosity?
2. What might be the significance of the sermon’s emphasis on moving from "rows" to "circles" for personal spiritual growth and community building? [10:10]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that intentional time investment in community activities aligns with God's purpose for believers? [18:16]
4. How does the sermon interpret the concept of "active participation" in the church community, and why is it considered essential for moving forward as a church? [19:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in your church community. Are there specific areas where you feel called to serve or participate more actively? [19:35]
2. Consider the relationships you have within your church. How can you move beyond superficial connections to build deeper, more meaningful relationships? [07:00]
3. Think about the balance between your digital interactions and face-to-face connections. What steps can you take to prioritize in-person fellowship this week? [07:00]
4. Identify a small group or community activity you can join or initiate to foster a sense of belonging and unity. What practical steps will you take to make this happen? [08:46]
5. How can you intentionally invest your time to align with God's purpose, especially in building a supportive network within your church? [18:16]
6. Reflect on a recent shared experience or memory with your church community. How did it impact your sense of belonging and spiritual growth? [12:29]
7. What is one specific way you can contribute to creating a living community of Jesus Christ in your church, as emphasized in the sermon? [19:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Relationships in a Superficial World
In today's world, technology connects us more than ever, yet many people feel isolated and lonely. This paradox highlights the need for genuine relationships and community. True community requires intentional relationships, moving beyond digital interactions to face-to-face connections where we can support and encourage one another in our faith journey. By investing time and energy into building these meaningful relationships, we create a supportive network that reflects the love of Jesus. [07:00]
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to today to deepen your relationship beyond digital interactions? How can you intentionally invest in this relationship to reflect genuine love and support?
Day 2: Embracing the Power of Fellowship
Acts 2:42-47 provides a vivid picture of the early church as a vibrant, living community. The believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. They lived in awe of the miraculous works among them, shared their possessions, and worshiped together with joy and generosity. This model challenges us to prioritize communal worship and shared experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. By embracing the power of fellowship, we can create a community that reflects the early church's commitment to living out their faith together. [04:33]
"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prioritize fellowship in your life this week? What specific steps can you take to engage more deeply in communal worship and shared experiences with your church community?
Day 3: The Importance of Circles Over Rows
While rows in church services are important for communal worship, circles—small groups—are where deeper connections and personal growth occur. These intimate settings allow us to share our lives, support one another, and build lasting relationships. By participating in small groups, we can experience the transformative power of community and grow together in our faith journey. This shift from rows to circles encourages us to engage more deeply with others and invest in meaningful relationships. [10:10]
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20, ESV)
Reflection: Are you currently part of a small group or circle within your church? If not, what steps can you take to join one? If you are, how can you contribute more actively to the group's growth and support?
Day 4: Investing Time in Community
Our time is a valuable resource, and how we choose to spend it reflects our priorities. By investing time in community activities and relationships, we align ourselves with God's purpose and build a supportive network. This intentional time investment allows us to create a space where memories are made, and lives are transformed. By prioritizing our time with others, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of a living community of Jesus Christ. [18:16]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: How are you currently investing your time? What changes can you make to prioritize community involvement and build meaningful relationships within your church?
Day 5: Active Participation in a Thriving Community
Moving forward as a church requires everyone's involvement. By serving in various capacities and sharing our gifts, we contribute to a thriving community that reflects the love of Jesus. Active participation involves leadership, service, and a commitment to building relationships. We are invited to say yes to community involvement, to prioritize our time with others, and to be intentional about where we invest our energy. By doing so, we create a space where memories are made, and lives are transformed. [19:35]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What gifts or talents do you have that can be used to serve your church community? How can you actively participate in building a thriving community that reflects the love of Jesus?
Quotes
"We talked in the second week about leadership roles, and we've adjusted the desires of what our leadership team has, and we look through a large amount of scripture into what Jesus says, this is what your leaders should look like within the church, right? We're to be stand-up people, we're to have our hearts be fully towards God, we're to lead from a place of humility, not of self-righteousness." [00:02:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So this is an invitation. Say yes. Join in. Be part of the community. You know, today, in 2024, we are the most connected people in all of history. I was listening to a sermon and the guy called this a phone, which we all do." [00:06:40] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We have the most connectedness, we have the most seeing what other people are doing, we can connect to people in many different ways, but yet, we're lonely. We just went through four years ago a year that was unlike any that I have ever experienced. I don't know if that's true for you too." [00:07:48] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The sermon today I entitled, Rows and Circles. Currently, for the most part, we're all sitting in rows right now. And the rows are important. The rows are what brings us together as an assembly of an entire church body and we get to worship through song and we get to worship through communion and prayer." [00:09:21] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Circles are the time where we get to sit around the table together. Circles are the time where we get to have smaller groups, where we can actually talk about the things that are going on in our lives on a daily basis. Circles are where memories are made." [00:10:14] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It does matter that you're building into this community that the believers, they devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles. They sold their property and possessions and they shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the temple each and every day." [00:13:56] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"As we come back to our annual meeting coming up, and we talk about the ways in which we want to move forward as a church, the ways in which that we want to grow leaders here at this church, that we want to move forward as a church, we want everyone to serve in some capacity." [00:18:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"To share meals, so often we create a meal train for someone that is sick, or going through a hard time. Has been in the hospital. What about just sharing a meal with somebody because you want to? Making a meal for someone because you are showing them the love of Jesus." [00:19:06] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"To be a living community of Jesus Christ is a lofty goal but it takes us making a choice each and every single day. Help us to choose you today help us to choose you tomorrow." [00:22:10] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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