Embracing Community: Growing Together in Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of community within the church, drawing from Hebrews 10:24-25. The essence of these verses is the call to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, emphasizing the importance of not giving up meeting together. This is a reminder of the power and necessity of being part of a church family. The analogy of a football coach guiding players to their correct positions was used to illustrate how we, as a church, should guide and encourage each other in our spiritual journeys. Just as a coach corrects and motivates players for the betterment of the team, we are called to lovingly guide each other toward spiritual growth and service.
Being part of a church community offers numerous benefits, including spiritual growth, fellowship, and opportunities to serve. It is a place where we can learn from one another, support each other in times of need, and celebrate together. The church is not just a building; it is the people who gather, support, and uplift each other. We are reminded that our faith journey is not meant to be walked alone. We need each other to stay strong, to be encouraged, and to be held accountable.
The message also highlighted the importance of being coachable and open to correction. Just as a football player must be willing to listen to the coach, we must be willing to listen to our fellow believers who may see us heading in the wrong direction. This requires humility and a willingness to be vulnerable. It is through this mutual encouragement and accountability that we grow stronger in our faith and more effective in our witness to the world.
Furthermore, the message emphasized the need for small groups within the church. These groups provide a more intimate setting for sharing, accountability, and encouragement. They are vital for personal growth and for building deeper relationships within the church community. Just as Jesus had a small group of disciples, we too should seek out small groups where we can be supported and challenged in our faith.
Finally, the message concluded with an invitation to those who may not yet know Jesus, encouraging them to come as they are and experience the love and support of a church family. It is a call to action for all of us to be doers of the word, to love our neighbors, and to serve those in need.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Community: Being part of a church family provides a sense of belonging and support. It is a place where we can grow spiritually, learn from one another, and serve together. The church is not just a building; it is the people who gather to encourage and uplift each other. [37:12]
2. Encouragement and Accountability: Just as a coach guides players, we are called to lovingly guide each other in our spiritual journeys. This requires humility and a willingness to be open to correction. It is through mutual encouragement and accountability that we grow stronger in our faith. [43:35]
3. The Importance of Small Groups: Small groups provide a more intimate setting for sharing, accountability, and encouragement. They are vital for personal growth and for building deeper relationships within the church community. [51:50]
4. Being Doers of the Word: Our faith should be active, not passive. We are called to be doers of the word, to love our neighbors, and to serve those in need. This is how we live out our faith and make a difference in the world. [47:16]
5. Invitation to Know Jesus: The message concluded with an invitation to those who may not yet know Jesus, encouraging them to come as they are and experience the love and support of a church family. It is a call to action for all of us to be doers of the word, to love our neighbors, and to serve those in need. [01:12:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Weather and Technology Humor
- [01:45] - Football and Coaching Analogy
- [03:20] - Hebrews 10:24-25 Introduction
- [05:00] - The Power of Church Community
- [07:15] - Recap of Last Week's Message
- [09:30] - The Importance of Being Coachable
- [12:00] - Understanding Love and Good Works
- [14:45] - The Role of Small Groups
- [17:30] - Encouragement and Accountability
- [20:00] - Invitation to Know Jesus
- [22:30] - Upcoming Church Events and Opportunities
- [24:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 10:24-25
Observation Questions:
1. What analogy was used in the sermon to describe how church members should guide and encourage each other? How does this analogy help us understand our role in the church community? [40:10]
2. According to the sermon, what are some benefits of being part of a church community? [37:12]
3. How does the sermon describe the importance of being coachable and open to correction in our spiritual journey? [43:35]
4. What role do small groups play in the church according to the sermon, and why are they considered vital? [51:50]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the analogy of a football coach relate to the concept of spiritual guidance and accountability within the church? [40:10]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being part of a church community can impact one's spiritual growth and personal life? [37:12]
3. What does it mean to be "coachable" in the context of the sermon, and why is this important for spiritual growth? [43:35]
4. How do small groups contribute to building deeper relationships and personal growth within the church community? [51:50]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in the church community. How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth and encouragement of others? [37:12]
2. Think about a time when you received correction or guidance from a fellow believer. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [43:35]
3. Are you currently part of a small group? If not, what steps can you take to join or start one? If you are, how can you deepen your engagement with the group? [51:50]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to be more open to correction and guidance. How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and coachability in this area? [43:35]
5. Consider someone in your church community who may be struggling or disconnected. How can you reach out to them with love and encouragement this week? [01:08:48]
6. Reflect on the concept of being a "doer of the word." What practical steps can you take this week to live out your faith actively? [47:16]
7. How can you invite someone who may not know Jesus to experience the love and support of a church family? What specific actions can you take to extend this invitation? [01:12:09]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Living Community
The church is not merely a building but a living community of believers who gather to support, encourage, and uplift one another. This community is essential for spiritual growth, providing a sense of belonging and a platform for learning and serving together. Being part of a church family means engaging in relationships that foster love and good deeds, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:24-25. The analogy of a football coach guiding players to their correct positions illustrates how members of a church should guide and encourage each other in their spiritual journeys. Just as a coach corrects and motivates players for the betterment of the team, believers are called to lovingly guide each other toward spiritual growth and service. [37:12]
Hebrews 3:13 (ESV): "But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to today to offer encouragement or support?
Day 2: Embracing Encouragement and Accountability
In a church community, encouragement and accountability are vital for spiritual growth. Just as a coach guides players, believers are called to lovingly guide each other in their spiritual journeys. This requires humility and a willingness to be open to correction. Being coachable means being open to the insights and guidance of fellow believers who may see us heading in the wrong direction. It is through mutual encouragement and accountability that we grow stronger in our faith and become more effective in our witness to the world. [43:35]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to be more open to correction from others? How can you invite accountability into this area today?
Day 3: The Vital Role of Small Groups
Small groups within the church provide a more intimate setting for sharing, accountability, and encouragement. They are vital for personal growth and for building deeper relationships within the church community. Just as Jesus had a small group of disciples, believers are encouraged to seek out small groups where they can be supported and challenged in their faith. These groups offer a space for vulnerability and deeper connection, allowing members to grow together in their spiritual journeys. [51:50]
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: Are you part of a small group or community where you can be vulnerable and grow in your faith? If not, what steps can you take to join or form one?
Day 4: Living as Doers of the Word
Faith should be active, not passive. Believers are called to be doers of the word, to love their neighbors, and to serve those in need. This is how they live out their faith and make a difference in the world. The call to action is clear: faith must be demonstrated through love and service, reflecting the teachings of Jesus. By actively engaging in acts of love and service, believers not only strengthen their faith but also become a powerful witness to the world around them. [47:16]
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively demonstrate your faith through service or love today?
Day 5: An Invitation to Know Jesus
The message concludes with an invitation to those who may not yet know Jesus, encouraging them to come as they are and experience the love and support of a church family. This invitation is a call to action for all believers to be doers of the word, to love their neighbors, and to serve those in need. It is a reminder that the church is a welcoming community where everyone can find belonging and support, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. [01:12:09]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to experience the love and support of a church family? How can you extend an invitation to them today?
Quotes
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day approaching. There's this great quote by Leonard Ravenhill. It says, There's no place on God's earth more exciting than the church of the living God when God is dwelling there and there's no place on God's earth more boring when He's not." [00:34:48] (35 seconds)
"There is awesome power of being a part of a church family. And as we are working through the series of a healthy church, we need to remember that church offers us a whole bunch of benefits to be part of a church. Part of a church family, there's so many church benefits, including a community, that we have community with each other. One of the great things that I love is when we do hug and howdy and we all stand up and we all hug each other and say howdy to each other or whatever we say. There's this sense that we have community together." [00:35:31] (32 seconds)
"There's opportunities that we have in spiritual growth when we're together. We can teach each other or we can learn from each other and we can grow spiritually that way. There's opportunities for fellowship. And after this service, we're going to have a potluck. And so we'll have some visitors from the first service that will come. And so we'll get to see some people that we may not see all of the time. And we get to fellowship with them. And again, there's opportunities for us to serve in the church. And serving looks so different for so many different people. There's this network that we have with each other to encourage each other for faith." [00:36:42] (38 seconds)
"So as Christians, we need to spur and motivate one another on. Now, the story of the football coach was really simple. My coach would grab me and pull me and sometimes yell at me. And sometimes you get spit in your face because he's really upset. Maybe it was just me, but he would yell and tell me, you're supposed to be right here. Why are you over there? And why is he doing that? Is he doing it? He's doing it to make me better, of course, right? But he's also doing it to make the whole team better." [00:43:02] (34 seconds)
"And another thing is, is we have to be allowed to be spurred on. We have to be a team player. This is a two-way thing. And so, the writer of Hebrew tells us to consider how to do this. And so, we need to think about it. And everybody's different. Everybody has a different personality. Some people may need to be grabbed the hold of and said, this is what you need to do. Some people may just need a little nudge. Some people may just need a phone call. Some people may even need a text message." [00:44:41] (39 seconds)
"To be a follower of Jesus. Not just a believer, but a follower. Not to get comfortable in the fact that we have salvation. I said last week, us Christians, we have salvation. We're good. We're going to heaven. We get to hear those words, well done, good and faithful servant. We get to hear that, and I'm glad that I get to hear that. But I also can get comfortable, and if I'm comfortable, then there's going to be some friends and family that's not going to get to hear those words." [00:47:30] (39 seconds)
"James tells us in chapter 122, he says, but be doer of the words and not hearers only. James is saying, go be doers of the word. What does the word tell us to do? What does Jesus tell us to do? Love our neighbor. Love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. Go feed the hungry. Go give somebody that's thirsty a glass of water. Go put a shirt on somebody poor." [00:48:22] (34 seconds)
"Do you have a small group? Do you participate in a group of people in your same sex? Like men, do you have a men's group? And women, do you have a women's group? Who are you hanging out with? Because I'm going to tell you this story. When I was a sixth grader, I was in an experiment. My class was in an experiment in the sixth grade. They decided they were going to start a middle school. And so we were the first class to go into middle school. And so here's a bunch of sixth graders thrown in with seventh and eighth graders." [00:49:23] (31 seconds)
"I have a group of men that we get to sit down with, and we get to share our lives with, and we get to tell each other when we're way up here, and we get to tell each other when we're way down here, and we get to tell each other when we're right here in the middle. And I will tell you that there's some days, some of us don't want to share when we're way down here, but we can see it, because we're close enough to know by looking at each other how we're doing. And so we get to spur each other on." [00:52:17] (36 seconds)
"Now, being a Christian and being a part of a church means that we have to act a certain way. And if we see people, 1 Corinthians 6, 9 and 10 says, Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. And then it lists all of these sins. And I will tell you that I hope that if I'm walking through this life and I start rolling down a hill, I hope that there's men in this church and the elders and anybody else will stop me and put on the brakes and say, You're heading in the wrong direction, brother." [00:57:59] (41 seconds)
"Jesus wants you to come right how you are right now in the condition that you're at today. He wants to be the one that fixes you. And when you come to Christ, not only do you come to Christ and have salvation, but you come to Christ and now you have a body of believers around you that will pray for you, that will walk with you, that will encourage you, and that they will help spur you along the way." [01:11:37] (33 seconds)
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