Building Intentional Community in Christ's Love
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! Today, we celebrate the joy of community and the importance of intentional relationships within the body of Christ. We are thrilled to witness the water baptisms and the growth of our church family. Whether you are a regular attendee, a guest, or joining us online, we welcome you with open arms. Our vision at Harvest is to make, grow, and equip followers of Jesus to fulfill their God-given purpose. This vision is rooted in the understanding that God created us for relationships—first with Him and then with each other.
We explored Genesis 1 and 2, where God declared that it is not good for man to be alone. This foundational truth underscores the importance of community. God Himself exists in perfect community as the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He created us out of love, not loneliness, and designed us to live in relationship with one another. The early church in Acts 2 exemplified this by meeting daily, sharing life, and growing together in faith.
In today's society, we often settle for surface-level interactions, especially post-COVID, where isolation has become more prevalent. However, true community requires intentionality. It involves being present, listening actively, and offering support. At Harvest, we provide numerous opportunities to build these meaningful connections through community groups, monthly meetups, and equip groups. These gatherings are not just about socializing; they are about grace, healing, and mission.
Community groups are a place of grace where we extend and receive God's love. They are also a place of healing, where we can share our struggles and find support. James 5:16 reminds us that confessing our sins to one another brings healing. Lastly, community groups are missional, reflecting God's love to the world and drawing others to Christ.
As we commit to living out our mission, we fulfill our calling as disciples and experience the transformative love of Christ. We are stronger together, and we need each other more than ever. Let us be intentional about building community and showing the love of Jesus in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Community: God declared in Genesis 2:18 that it is not good for man to be alone. This foundational truth highlights the necessity of relationships. We are created for community, reflecting the perfect unity of the Trinity. Living in isolation goes against God's design for us. [53:03]
2. Intentional Relationships: Building meaningful connections requires intentionality. It involves being present, listening actively, and offering support. At Harvest, we provide various opportunities to foster these relationships through community groups, monthly meetups, and equip groups. [01:03:57]
3. Healing Through Community: James 5:16 teaches us that confessing our sins to one another brings healing. God often uses the people around us to bring about the healing we need. Community groups offer a safe space to share our struggles and find support, leading to spiritual and emotional healing. [01:08:48]
4. Missional Living: Community groups are not just about socializing; they are about living out our mission. Acts 2 shows us that the early church grew as they fostered community. We are called to reflect God's love in every interaction, drawing others to Christ and fulfilling our calling as disciples. [01:12:29]
5. Overcoming Isolation: In today's society, we often settle for surface-level interactions, especially post-COVID. However, true community requires us to push through the discomfort and awkwardness. By being intentional about building relationships, we honor God and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from genuine connections. [01:01:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:48] - Celebrating Baptisms
[42:14] - Connection Form and Prayer Requests
[42:39] - Announcements and Decals
[46:38] - Reflecting on Recent Events
[47:07] - Vision and Purpose of Harvest
[48:10] - Community Connections Sunday
[48:49] - Importance of Deep Relationships
[49:26] - Daily Walk with the Lord
[51:59] - Genesis 1:1 - Creation and Community
[53:03] - Genesis 2:18 - Not Good to Be Alone
[55:13] - Trinity and Perfect Community
[59:49] - Challenges of Modern Isolation
[01:03:57] - Intentional Relationships
[01:08:48] - Healing Through Community
[01:12:29] - Missional Living
[01:18:52] - Call to Action and Prayer
[01:20:37] - Introducing Community Groups
[01:22:20] - Monthly Meetups
[01:27:04] - Equip Groups
[01:39:17] - Vision for the Church
[01:40:14] - Invitation to Build Community
[01:42:04] - Call to Salvation
[01:45:17] - Prayer Partners and Final Worship
[01:49:57] - Sending Forth and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:18 (ESV) - "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'"
2. James 5:16 (ESV) - "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
3. 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."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 2:18, what did God declare about man's state of being alone? Why is this significant? [53:03]
2. In James 5:16, what are believers instructed to do for one another, and what is the promised result? [01:08:48]
3. How did the early church in Acts 2:46-47 practice community, and what was the outcome of their actions? [01:12:29]
4. What are some of the ways mentioned in the sermon that Harvest Church provides opportunities for building intentional relationships? [01:03:57]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God emphasized that it is "not good" for man to be alone in Genesis 2:18? How does this relate to the concept of community in the church? [53:03]
2. How does confessing sins to one another, as mentioned in James 5:16, contribute to healing within a community? What might this look like in a small group setting? [01:08:48]
3. The early church in Acts 2:46-47 met daily and shared life together. How does this model challenge our modern approach to community and church involvement? [01:12:29]
4. The sermon mentioned that true community requires intentionality. What are some practical steps individuals can take to build deeper relationships within their church community? [01:03:57]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Genesis 2:18, do you find yourself experiencing loneliness or isolation? What steps can you take this week to reach out and build connections within your church community? [53:03]
2. James 5:16 speaks about confessing sins to one another for healing. Is there a trusted person in your life with whom you can share your struggles? How can you initiate that conversation this week? [01:08:48]
3. The early church in Acts 2:46-47 met daily and shared meals together. How can you incorporate more frequent and meaningful interactions with fellow believers into your weekly routine? [01:12:29]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of intentional relationships. Identify one person in your church community you would like to get to know better. What specific action can you take to start building that relationship? [01:03:57]
5. Considering the post-COVID tendency towards isolation, what are some ways you can push through the discomfort and awkwardness to foster genuine connections? [01:01:04]
6. Community groups at Harvest are described as places of grace, healing, and mission. Which of these aspects do you feel most drawn to, and how can you actively participate in a community group to experience this? [01:04:58]
7. The sermon mentioned that living out our mission involves reflecting God's love in every interaction. Think of a recent interaction where you could have shown more of God's love. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [01:13:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Created for Community
Description: In Genesis 2:18, God declared that it is not good for man to be alone. This foundational truth highlights the necessity of relationships. We are created for community, reflecting the perfect unity of the Trinity. Living in isolation goes against God's design for us. God Himself exists in perfect community as the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He created us out of love, not loneliness, and designed us to live in relationship with one another. The early church in Acts 2 exemplified this by meeting daily, sharing life, and growing together in faith. [53:03]
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: Think of a time when you felt isolated. How can you reach out to someone in your community today to build a meaningful connection?
Day 2: Intentional Relationships
Description: Building meaningful connections requires intentionality. It involves being present, listening actively, and offering support. At Harvest, we provide various opportunities to foster these relationships through community groups, monthly meetups, and equip groups. In today's society, we often settle for surface-level interactions, especially post-COVID, where isolation has become more prevalent. However, true community requires intentionality. It involves being present, listening actively, and offering support. [01:03:57]
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: Who is someone in your life that you can be more intentional with? How can you show them that you are present and supportive this week?
Day 3: Healing Through Community
Description: James 5:16 teaches us that confessing our sins to one another brings healing. God often uses the people around us to bring about the healing we need. Community groups offer a safe space to share our struggles and find support, leading to spiritual and emotional healing. At Harvest, community groups are a place of grace where we extend and receive God's love. They are also a place of healing, where we can share our struggles and find support. [01:08:48]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Is there a burden you are carrying that you need to share with someone in your community? How can you take a step towards vulnerability and healing today?
Day 4: Missional Living
Description: Community groups are not just about socializing; they are about living out our mission. Acts 2 shows us that the early church grew as they fostered community. We are called to reflect God's love in every interaction, drawing others to Christ and fulfilling our calling as disciples. As we commit to living out our mission, we fulfill our calling as disciples and experience the transformative love of Christ. [01:12:29]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you reflect God's love in your interactions today? Think of one specific way you can be a light to someone in your community.
Day 5: Overcoming Isolation
Description: In today's society, we often settle for surface-level interactions, especially post-COVID. However, true community requires us to push through the discomfort and awkwardness. By being intentional about building relationships, we honor God and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from genuine connections. We are stronger together, and we need each other more than ever. Let us be intentional about building community and showing the love of Jesus in our lives. [01:01:04]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to move beyond surface-level interactions and build a deeper relationship with someone in your community?
Quotes
1. "If you are new here at Harvest, we are just a family of Christ followers. And we love God. We love people. We serve the world as the hands and feet of Jesus. If you're part of the Harvest family, what's our vision? To make, grow, and equip followers of Jesus to fulfill their God-given purpose in life. And as I mentioned earlier, if you're wearing the merch, it's on your back and you will never forget it. Okay? Make, grow, and equip followers of Jesus to fulfill their God-given purpose." [47:07] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Guys, if God didn't have a purpose for you, he would have taken you the moment you said yes to Jesus and you received him as Lord and Savior. But he left you here. Because he wants you to make disciples. He wants you to be the hands and feet of Jesus. So what an incredible time that we have had." [47:36] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Tell me if you know the kingdom of God is about relationship. First our relationship with God and then our relationship with each other. And so this is all about relationship. And so you also heard us say, if you've been through Class 101, we talk about in that how we recognize that as we grow larger, we have to grow smaller at the same time." [48:10] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Guys, God never told us that Sunday morning was his desire for us and that that was enough. Guys, as a matter of fact, as we're going to talk about here in a few minutes when we look at Acts chapter 2, they met together today. This is a daily walk with the Lord, not a weekly walk with the Lord. And so we should be gathering together outside of Sunday morning. We should be gathering together as the body of Christ." [48:49] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So after creating man, God saw that man had no one to live out life with. Nobody to walk with. Nobody to celebrate with. Nobody to cry with. Nobody to enjoy life with. He was walking life alone. And if God said it wasn't good and he did something about it, then let me tell you, that means that that's not what God intended." [53:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The problem is that we live in a society today that has become perfectly content with very surface-level social interactions. And they are perfectly content with their social interactions consisting of scrolling through their phone, and double-tapping posts, and liking or loving or whatever else, and you know, a post or whatever it may be. And in that, they're basically any kind of real, intimate, personal interaction." [59:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We need intentional relationships. Now we may all define relationships a little differently but I said intentional. What do I mean by intentional? Something just came my mind uh during first service I mentioned I hadn't thought of in a while was was Dennis and Laura you saw Dennis over there baptizing a few minutes ago and when they met Dennis was in the military he was serving down in key west and and uh Laura was living in Millington and Dennis would drive back every weekend to see Laura from as anybody made that drive key west Florida to Millington Tennessee Jesus help us all that's pursuing intentional relationship right it takes intentionality." [01:03:57] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So, in our society today, we shop online, we bank online, we maintain our close friendships online, and some people only watch sermons online. And so, I read recently a noted therapist that said, people are intentionally pursuing a lifestyle that while convenient actually harms their mental health and robs them of true joy and lasting fulfillment this shift toward isolation and independence is undermining the deep meaningful connections that are essential for our well-being." [01:01:04] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Missional living is about seeing every interaction as an opportunity to reflect God's love. Every interaction in our life, whether it's through acts of service like she just talked about, words of encouragement, or simply being present for somebody in a time of need. Guys, we have the power to make a significant impact in somebody else's life. So as we commit to living out our mission, we draw others to the transformative love of Christ, and we fulfill our calling as disciples." [01:13:55] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Guys, we need each other. You may need one of us today. And tomorrow, one of us may need you. And that's why we're here. That's why we're here. We're stronger together than we are individually. So maybe you're making a vow to God today that you're going to be more intentional about gathering together in community. And he's challenging you in that." [01:46:27] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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