Devotion to Community: Loving Our Church Together
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we embarked on a new sermon series titled "I Love My Church," focusing on the importance of loving and being devoted to our church community. We began by discussing the various activities and events happening in our church, such as the upcoming picnic, finance team meeting, and our mission of the month, Converge Mid-America. These announcements set the stage for our main topic: the significance of loving our church both locally and universally.
We explored the concept of devotion through the lens of the early church as described in Acts 2:42-47. The early believers were devoted to four key practices: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These practices were not just activities but were integral to their identity and community life. They were all in, fully committed, and their devotion was evident in their daily lives.
Teaching was the first aspect we delved into. The early Christians were eager to learn and grow in their faith, making a commitment to be present whenever the apostles taught. This eagerness to learn was likened to the excitement one feels when reading a captivating book or watching a thrilling movie series.
Next, we discussed fellowship, emphasizing that true Christian fellowship goes beyond casual interactions. It involves living life together, holding each other accountable, and supporting one another both spiritually and physically. This kind of fellowship is crucial for progressive sanctification, helping us grow as Christians.
Breaking of bread, the third practice, highlighted the importance of sharing meals and communion together. This act fosters unity and intimacy among believers, extending beyond the temple to their homes. It signifies a deeper level of trust and community.
Finally, we examined the role of prayer in the early church. Their prayers were not just lists of requests but included praising God and sharing in each other's lives. True prayer requires unity and trust, allowing believers to genuinely support and uplift one another.
In conclusion, we were challenged to reflect on our own devotion to the church. Are we merely attending services, or are we living a life that reflects true devotion to the Lord and our church community? We were encouraged to actively participate in church life, demonstrating our love for the church through our actions.
### Key Takeaways
1. Devotion to Teaching: The early Christians were deeply committed to learning and growing in their faith. They eagerly attended teachings, understanding that the apostles' words carried the weight of firsthand experiences with Jesus. This commitment to learning should inspire us to prioritize spiritual growth and seek opportunities to deepen our understanding of God's Word. [47:51]
2. True Fellowship: Fellowship in the early church went beyond casual interactions; it involved living life together, holding each other accountable, and supporting one another both spiritually and physically. This kind of fellowship is essential for our spiritual growth and helps us stay accountable to our faith. [53:23]
3. Breaking of Bread: Sharing meals and communion together fosters unity and intimacy among believers. This practice extends beyond formal church settings to our homes, signifying a deeper level of trust and community. It reminds us of the importance of hospitality and building strong relationships within our church family. [58:19]
4. Power of Prayer: The early church's prayers were not just lists of requests but included praising God and sharing in each other's lives. True prayer requires unity and trust, allowing believers to genuinely support and uplift one another. This kind of prayer life strengthens our bonds and helps us grow together in faith. [01:01:27]
5. Living Devotion: Being devoted to the church means more than just attending services; it involves actively participating in church life and demonstrating our love for the church through our actions. This devotion reflects our commitment to God and our church community, encouraging us to live out our faith in tangible ways. [01:09:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:07] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[03:42] - Picnic and Fellowship
[04:30] - Mission of the Month: Converge Mid-America
[05:20] - Leadership Changes in Converge
[24:53] - Children's Dismissal and Deaconess Meeting
[25:46] - Engaging the Congregation with Fun Activities
[31:01] - Introduction to the New Series: I Love My Church
[32:30] - Cultural Attitudes Towards Church
[35:10] - Talk is Cheap: Actions Speak Louder
[36:22] - Devotion in the Early Church
[38:57] - Context of Acts 2:42-47
[41:51] - Four Core Practices of the Early Church
[47:51] - Devotion to Teaching
[53:23] - True Fellowship
[58:19] - Breaking of Bread
[01:01:27] - Power of Prayer
[01:09:07] - Living Devotion
[01:10:21] - Interactive Activity: How Do You Love Your Church?
[01:18:18] - Closing Prayer and Final Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the four key practices the early church devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:42-47?
2. How did the early believers demonstrate their devotion to teaching? ([47:51])
3. What does true Christian fellowship involve beyond casual interactions? ([53:23])
4. How did the early church's practice of breaking bread extend beyond formal settings? ([58:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was the early church's devotion to teaching so significant, and how did it impact their daily lives? ([47:51])
2. In what ways does true fellowship contribute to progressive sanctification and spiritual growth? ([53:23])
3. How does the act of breaking bread together foster unity and intimacy among believers? ([58:19])
4. What role did prayer play in the early church, and how did it strengthen their community? ([01:01:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own commitment to learning and growing in your faith. How can you prioritize spiritual growth in your daily life? ([47:51])
2. Think about your interactions with fellow believers. How can you move beyond casual interactions to build deeper, more accountable relationships? ([53:23])
3. Consider the importance of hospitality in your life. How can you open your home to foster unity and intimacy within your church community? ([58:19])
4. Evaluate your prayer life. How can you incorporate more praise and genuine support for others in your prayers? ([01:01:27])
5. Are you actively participating in church life, or are you merely attending services? What steps can you take to demonstrate your love for the church through your actions? ([01:09:07])
6. Identify one specific way you can support a fellow believer both spiritually and physically this week. How will you follow through on this commitment? ([53:23])
7. Reflect on the level of trust and unity in your small group. What can you do to enhance these aspects in your interactions with group members? ([58:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Eager Pursuit of Spiritual Growth
The early Christians were deeply committed to learning and growing in their faith. They eagerly attended teachings, understanding that the apostles' words carried the weight of firsthand experiences with Jesus. This commitment to learning should inspire us to prioritize spiritual growth and seek opportunities to deepen our understanding of God's Word. Just as one might be captivated by a thrilling book or movie series, we should approach our spiritual education with the same enthusiasm and dedication. This eagerness to learn is a reflection of our devotion to God and our desire to grow closer to Him. [47:51]
Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of God's Word? Can you commit to a daily Bible reading plan or join a Bible study group?
Day 2: Living Life Together in True Fellowship
Fellowship in the early church went beyond casual interactions; it involved living life together, holding each other accountable, and supporting one another both spiritually and physically. This kind of fellowship is essential for our spiritual growth and helps us stay accountable to our faith. True Christian fellowship means being there for one another in times of joy and sorrow, encouraging each other, and growing together in faith. It is through these deep, meaningful relationships that we can experience the fullness of Christian community and support. [53:23]
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 in your church community can you reach out to this week to offer support or encouragement? How can you be more intentional about building deeper relationships within your church family?
Day 3: Unity Through Breaking of Bread
Sharing meals and communion together fosters unity and intimacy among believers. This practice extends beyond formal church settings to our homes, signifying a deeper level of trust and community. It reminds us of the importance of hospitality and building strong relationships within our church family. By inviting others into our homes and sharing meals, we create opportunities for deeper connections and mutual support. This act of breaking bread together is a powerful symbol of our unity in Christ and our commitment to one another. [58:19]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: Who can you invite to share a meal with you this week? How can you use this time to foster deeper relationships and unity within your church community?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Prayer
The early church's prayers were not just lists of requests but included praising God and sharing in each other's lives. True prayer requires unity and trust, allowing believers to genuinely support and uplift one another. This kind of prayer life strengthens our bonds and helps us grow together in faith. By praying together, we can experience the transformative power of prayer, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us. Prayer is a vital practice that connects us to God and to each other in profound ways. [01:01:27]
Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? Can you commit to praying with a friend or family member this week to strengthen your bond and support each other in faith?
Day 5: Active Participation in Church Life
Being devoted to the church means more than just attending services; it involves actively participating in church life and demonstrating our love for the church through our actions. This devotion reflects our commitment to God and our church community, encouraging us to live out our faith in tangible ways. By getting involved in various church activities, serving others, and using our gifts for the benefit of the community, we can show our love for the church and contribute to its growth and vitality. [01:09:07]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What specific ways can you actively participate in your church community this week? How can you use your unique gifts and talents to serve others and demonstrate your love for the church?
Quotes
1. "So, where's the love for the church? And we're like, well... Publicly, where's the love for the church? Right? This is what we're going to talk about this... This series. And when I say the love for the church, I mean both your church as an LRBC. And I also mean the church as in the universal body of believers. Like, where's the love? Our culture is turning so rapidly anti-church. Right? Like, it's just so rapidly anti-church. And so, we're left with this question of where's the love for the church?" [31:01] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In the same way that we love our teams. In the same way that we love our McDonald's. In the same way that we love our food. that we love the things that we love, we should love the church, right? Think about this. Those of you that do social media, so those of you that are under, say, the age of, I don't know, 60, maybe under 70, those of you that are social media people, think about when you are out somewhere that you love, you're posting it on social media because you want people to kind of participate in the thing that you love, right?" [32:30] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Talk is cheap. Sometimes we got to put our money where our mouth is, right? The apostle John, he wrote this letter. We call it first John. You can go ahead and open that up. If you want first John chapter three, verse 16, it's going to be up on the screen though. The apostle John, he, he knew what it was to, to, to talk cheap, right? So he shared what Jesus, what Jesus wrote here. It says by this, we know love that he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." [36:22] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "They were devoted because of what Christ had done in them. Let's, let's, let's remember that for a moment. I want you each individually go back in your mind to the moment that you trusted God and to the, to the moment that you felt what and why you trusted God. They were devoted because of what Christ had done for them. That's huge. And individually, that should be real for us. Like God did amazing things for me. He lifted me out of a pit. He kept me from falling in a pit, whatever it is, they were devoted because of what Christ had done." [41:51] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As believers, if you, here's the thing, if you actually believe, the thing that you say you believe, then you owe everything to Jesus. Like there's nothing, your car is because of Jesus. Everything you have and everything you are is because of Jesus. And if you owe everything to Jesus, like if you actually, whoops, actually owe everything to Jesus, then you're going to be pretty excited to be around the other people that feel the same way, right? Like that's going to be an awesome thing to be able to do. So these new believers, they were devoted together." [46:40] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Fellowship is living life together. Here's the thing. The modern church today, we've majorly failed in this area. Man, we do great. And I will sing the praises of LRBC of you guys. We do an amazing job of welcoming everyone in on Sunday morning, right? Like, man, people come in and they're like, this is my family. But then they leave on Sunday afternoon. Not to hear or see until next Sunday. This is an area. The modern church just doesn't do a great job of. We don't do a great job of that throughout the week, living of life together." [54:30] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The type of devotion that we see. In the early Christians. Is just amazing. Their love for each other. Their challenge for each other. Like they would actually help each other. They're devoted to the Lord. And they're devoted to each other. As believers. And this is exactly. What John told his disciples. When he's talking to his disciples. And he says. I'm going to give you a brand new command. I want you to love each other. That's part of loving each other. That's that fellowship together." [01:04:32] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I love my church. Because this is where I get to express. My devotion to the Lord. And you guys get to say the same thing. I love this church. Because this is where I get to live my life. Together. Like I don't have to keep secret. I don't have to be like. I can't push my religion on my co-worker. No we push our religion on each other. We push our relationship. On each other. I love my church. Because this is my family. And that's what you guys should say too." [01:06:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Are you attending. Are you. Living a life that reflects. Devotion to the Lord. Or are you attending church on a Sunday. It's very different. Are you living a life. That reflects devotion to the Lord. Or are you attending church on Sunday. Anyone can attend church on a Sunday. It takes a growing Christian. To have a devotion relationship. It takes devotion. To be. A growing Christian. To be someone that is progressively. Being sanctified. To be more and more like Christ." [01:09:07] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "This was not done to say, look how awesome we are. This was done to say, look how awesome God is. That's really important to keep in mind, to keep focused on. This only happens because of him. Let's pray. Father God, thank you for who you are. God, we give everything to you. We give our lives. We are fully and wholly devoted to you, to the things that you've called us to be as a church and to know and to grow as a church, Lord. Lord, we ask that you would lead us, that you would guide us every individual step that will be focused on you and not on ourselves." [01:18:52] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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