Embracing Community: Living in Circles, Not Rows
Summary
Summary:
Today, we explored the profound importance of community within the church, emphasizing that life is meant to be lived in circles, not rows. This concept of community is rooted in the biblical principle of koinonia, which means fellowship. We delved into the idea that community is not just about being in the same place but about engaging in meaningful relationships that foster spiritual growth and mutual support. The early church in Acts 2 serves as a model for us, where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer, resulting in a vibrant and growing community.
We discussed four key principles of a healthy biblical community. First, life-on-life relationships are essential, where we invite others into our lives and genuinely care for one another. Second, we cannot claim to be passionate about Jesus while living in isolation; we need each other to grow and thrive. Third, being part of a biblical community means trusting that God has our best interests at heart, as He designed us to live in fellowship. Lastly, any community is only as strong as its weakest link, so we must strive to build each other up and grow together.
We also highlighted practical steps to cultivate a healthy community: devoting daily to a personal relationship with Jesus, treating others with love and acceptance, living authentically and sharing struggles, and counseling each other biblically. These steps help us create a supportive environment where we can be real, grow spiritually, and accomplish more together than we ever could alone. As we embrace these principles, we become a church of circles, not just a church with circles, fostering a culture of connection and support that reflects the heart of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Life-on-Life Relationships: True community involves inviting others into our lives and being genuinely involved in theirs. This means being real, sharing struggles, and supporting each other through life's challenges. It's about moving beyond surface-level interactions to build deep, meaningful connections. [44:01]
2. Passion for Jesus Requires Community: We cannot claim to love Jesus and live in isolation. God designed us to be part of a community where we can grow, serve, and support one another. Our unique gifts and strengths are meant to complement each other, creating a stronger body of Christ. [48:14]
3. Trusting God's Design for Community: Believing that God has our best interests at heart means embracing the community He has placed us in. Biblical community is a divine setup for our growth and well-being, providing the support and guidance we need to navigate life's challenges. [55:14]
4. Strengthening the Weakest Link: A community is only as strong as its weakest member. We must strive to build each other up, recognizing that we all have areas of weakness. By supporting one another, we create a healthier, more resilient community. [57:05]
5. Practical Steps for a Healthy Community: Devote daily to a personal relationship with Jesus, treat others with love and acceptance, live authentically, and counsel each other biblically. These practices foster a supportive environment where we can grow spiritually and accomplish more together. [58:42]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [26:36] - Ways to Give
- [29:00] - Pastor Appreciation
- [34:38] - Core Values Series
- [36:00] - Importance of Unity
- [36:45] - Community: Circles, Not Rows
- [38:14] - Biblical Guidelines for Community
- [39:32] - Acts 2: A Model for Community
- [41:27] - Defining Biblical Community
- [42:47] - Four Principles of Healthy Community
- [44:01] - Life-on-Life Relationships
- [48:14] - Passion for Jesus and Community
- [55:14] - Trusting God's Design
- [57:05] - Strengthening the Weakest Link
- [58:42] - Practical Steps for Community
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Community in the Church
Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:42-47
- Philippians 2:3-4
- 1 Corinthians 12:27
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Acts 2:42-47, what activities did the early church engage in that contributed to their sense of community?
2. How does Philippians 2:3-4 describe the attitude we should have towards others in a community?
3. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, what metaphor is used to describe the church, and what does this imply about the role of each member?
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how life-on-life relationships can be fostered within a church community? [44:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it important for believers to engage in life-on-life relationships, as described in the sermon? How does this align with the biblical model of community? [44:01]
2. How does the concept of "living in circles, not rows" challenge traditional views of church participation? What might this look like in practice? [36:45]
3. What does it mean to trust God's design for community, and how can this trust impact our involvement in church life? [55:14]
4. How can the principle of strengthening the weakest link be applied to ensure a healthy and resilient church community? [57:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationships within the church. Are there people you need to invite into your life more intentionally? What steps can you take this week to deepen those connections? [44:01]
2. Consider the statement, "Passion for Jesus requires community." How can you actively seek out and engage with others in your church to grow in your faith? [48:14]
3. Think about a time when you felt isolated in your faith journey. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are part of a supportive community that reflects God's design? [55:14]
4. Identify an area of weakness in your life or in your church community. How can you contribute to strengthening this area, either by seeking help or offering support to others? [57:05]
5. How can you live more authentically within your church community, sharing your struggles and supporting others in theirs? What might be holding you back from doing so? [45:56]
6. Reflect on the practical steps mentioned in the sermon for cultivating a healthy community. Which of these steps do you find most challenging, and how can you work on them this week? [58:42]
7. How can you ensure that your interactions with others in the church are characterized by love and acceptance, as described in Romans 12:10? What changes might you need to make in your attitude or behavior? [01:01:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Building Deep Connections Through Life-on-Life Relationships
True community is about inviting others into our lives and being genuinely involved in theirs. This involves moving beyond surface-level interactions to build deep, meaningful connections. Life-on-life relationships are essential for spiritual growth and mutual support. By sharing our struggles and supporting each other through life's challenges, we create a space where authenticity and vulnerability are welcomed. This kind of community reflects the early church's model in Acts 2, where believers devoted themselves to fellowship, teaching, and prayer, resulting in a vibrant and growing community. [44:01]
"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 invite into a deeper, more authentic relationship this week? How can you show genuine care and support for them today?
Day 2: Embracing Community as a Path to Passion for Jesus
Passion for Jesus requires community, as God designed us to grow, serve, and support one another within a community. Living in isolation contradicts the biblical principle of koinonia, which emphasizes fellowship and mutual edification. Our unique gifts and strengths are meant to complement each other, creating a stronger body of Christ. By engaging in community, we not only grow individually but also contribute to the collective spiritual growth of the church. This interconnectedness is vital for nurturing a passionate relationship with Jesus. [48:14]
"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: What steps can you take to become more actively involved in your church community, using your unique gifts to serve and support others?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Design for Community
Trusting God's design for community means believing that He has our best interests at heart. Biblical community is a divine setup for our growth and well-being, providing the support and guidance we need to navigate life's challenges. By embracing the community God has placed us in, we open ourselves to the blessings of fellowship, accountability, and encouragement. This trust in God's design allows us to experience the fullness of life He intends for us, as we journey together in faith. [55:14]
"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!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your trust in the community God has placed you in, and how can you contribute to its growth and well-being?
Day 4: Strengthening the Weakest Link in Community
A community is only as strong as its weakest member, and it is our responsibility to build each other up. Recognizing that we all have areas of weakness, we must strive to support one another, creating a healthier, more resilient community. This involves offering encouragement, guidance, and practical help to those in need, fostering an environment where everyone can grow and thrive. By strengthening the weakest link, we contribute to the overall strength and unity of the community. [57:05]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community might be struggling or feeling weak? How can you offer them support and encouragement this week?
Day 5: Practical Steps for Cultivating a Healthy Community
Cultivating a healthy community involves practical steps such as devoting daily to a personal relationship with Jesus, treating others with love and acceptance, living authentically, and counseling each other biblically. These practices create a supportive environment where individuals can grow spiritually and accomplish more together than they ever could alone. By embracing these principles, we foster a culture of connection and support that reflects the heart of God, becoming a church of circles, not just a church with circles. [58:42]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to contribute to a healthier community within your church? How can you encourage and build up those around you?
Quotes
1) "Unity is one of those things that, I don't know if you guys know this or not, but I believe it's one of the biggest things that the enemy uses to defeat the church. Like, let's be real. Because, again, he talked about the Tower of Babel. You know, you got people in one mind and one accord. Let's talk about the upper room. Let's talk about things that happen when you get people in one mind and one accord. Some amazing things can start happening. And so when you get people out of unity, then what happens is confusion, chaos, right? All that stuff ensues. So, man, it's important. That we each do our part." [35:25] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "We believe here at Harvest Church that life is better together. Amen? We believe that life is not supposed to be lived alone. God, when He made Adam, what did He say? He said, it's not well for man to be alone. I don't think that was just a, hey, we need to give him a mate, a helper, you know, that kind of stuff. I think it was a legit thing that God set up, that man, you are not meant to live this life in solitude." [37:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "You cannot say you're passionate about Jesus and live in isolation. Now hear me out here. Now hear me out. Hear me. I should have wore pink. Hear me out. You cannot say you love Jesus, but live in isolation. I cannot stand when I hear the, I love God, but I don't need church. Well, no, you do. You do need church. Cause that, that's how God set it up. Because if it was easy for us to do this on our own, then what would be the point of a local gathering?" [48:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "You can't be passionate about Jesus and live in isolation. Do you understand that? That Jesus, when he walked this earth, what was his sole purpose? Yes, it was to die on a cross. Yes, it was to be the sacrificial lamb. But what did he do in the scriptures? Everywhere he went, he was with what? People. Everywhere he went, who was he helping? People. Everywhere he went, he was teaching who? People. Why is that? Because he understood how important people are." [52:18] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Being a biblical community is what you do if you believe God has the best interest in mind. Jeremiah 29 11 says this. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. There are plans for good and not disaster to give you a future and a hope. We all know that God is for us. That said, if we truly believe this, then we have to understand that he created biblical community because guess what? We need it." [54:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Any relationship is only as healthy as the unhealthiest person in it, right? How many of you guys have ever heard you're only as strong as your weakest link, right? And so it's important. Understand that if we begin to build community, if we begin to build relationships, when we begin to pull people in, we need to understand that we're only as strong as the weakest link. Now, somebody has to be the strongest. Somebody has to be the weakest. It is what it is. But the weird thing there is this. You don't have to stay there." [57:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Live authentically with each other and share your struggles. Listen to that. Live authentically with each other and share your struggles. Guys, it's okay. It's okay not to be okay. Can I repeat that? It's okay to not be okay, but here's the deal. You don't have to stay there. And that's the amazing thing about God is that he doesn't care where you're at because he's got someplace he wants to take you and where he wants to take you is, is the Bible says is more abundant, a life, more abundant, a better life than you can ever imagine." [01:03:21] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Biblical community means life on life for the glory of God with tenderness, patience and diligence. And I'm going to go ahead and add with others. That's what a biblical community is. It means that we go life on life. We pull people in and we're not afraid to get down in the, in the moldy grubs. Because how many of you guys have ever just had a rough patch in life? Raise my hand. And guess what? How, how, how just refreshing is it when somebody jumps down right in the hole that you're in and goes, man, I got you." [01:09:51] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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