Embracing Community: Our Journey Together in Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound impact of community on our spiritual journey and relationship with God. Community is not just a gathering of people; it is a vital part of our calling as followers of Christ. Through shared experiences, accountability, and mutual encouragement, we grow together in faith and love. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of our calling, which is deeply intertwined with being part of a community. He paints a picture of unity, where each member contributes to the growth and health of the whole body of Christ.
We also reflected on the words from Hebrews, which remind us to hold tightly to our faith and not neglect meeting together. In a world that often challenges our beliefs, having a supportive community helps us remain steadfast. It's through these relationships that we find strength, encouragement, and reminders of God's faithfulness.
Personal stories shared today highlighted the transformative power of community. Whether through Bible studies, workout groups, or simple friendships, these connections have the potential to change lives. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God uses others to bring healing and growth.
For those who have been hurt by the church or feel hesitant to join a community, it's important to remember that God is strong enough to overcome past wounds. Being part of a community is part of our identity as the body of Christ. We are called to support one another, to be there for each other, and to grow together in love and faith.
Finally, we extended an invitation to those who may not yet know Jesus, offering them the opportunity to join this family of believers. Following Jesus is a life-changing decision, and being part of a community ensures that we never walk this journey alone.
Key Takeaways:
1. Community as a Calling: Being part of a community is integral to our calling as Christians. It is within these groups that we learn to live a life worthy of our calling, as Paul urges in Ephesians. Community is where we serve the Lord and grow together in faith. [42:21]
2. Unity in Diversity: The body of Christ is made up of diverse individuals, each contributing uniquely to the whole. This diversity is essential for growth, as it allows us to learn from one another and be strengthened by different perspectives and experiences. [46:45]
3. Accountability and Encouragement: Community provides accountability and encouragement, helping us hold tightly to our faith. In a world that challenges our beliefs, having others to walk with us ensures we remain steadfast and hopeful. [50:24]
4. Healing and Restoration: For those hurt by the church, community can be a place of healing and restoration. God uses relationships to bring about forgiveness and growth, reminding us that we are not alone in our journey. [52:24]
5. Invitation to Belong: The invitation to follow Jesus is also an invitation to belong to a family. This community of believers supports us, prays for us, and walks with us, ensuring that we never face life's challenges alone. [58:10]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [42:21] - Impact of Community
- [46:45] - Unity in Diversity
- [50:24] - Accountability and Encouragement
- [51:36] - Holding onto Faith
- [52:24] - Healing from Hurt
- [53:55] - Personal Testimonies
- [54:48] - Joining a Group
- [57:19] - Missions and Service
- [58:10] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
- [58:47] - The Family of Believers
- [59:44] - Decision to Follow Jesus
- [01:00:24] - Prayer of Commitment
- [01:01:00] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 4:1-6, 16
- Hebrews 10:23-25
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:1, what does Paul urge believers to do, and how is this related to community? [46:45]
2. In Hebrews 10:23-25, what are the specific actions believers are encouraged to take in relation to their faith and community? [50:24]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of community in holding onto faith, as mentioned in Hebrews? [51:36]
4. What personal stories were shared in the sermon that illustrate the impact of community on individual spiritual growth? [53:55]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul’s description of the body of Christ in Ephesians 4:16 illustrate the importance of each member's contribution to the community? [46:45]
2. What might be the significance of the author of Hebrews emphasizing the need to meet together, especially in challenging times? [50:24]
3. How does the sermon suggest that community can be a source of healing and restoration for those who have been hurt by the church? [52:24]
4. In what ways does the sermon propose that diversity within a community contributes to spiritual growth and unity? [46:45]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in a community. How does it align with Paul’s call to live a life worthy of your calling? What changes might you consider to deepen your engagement? [46:45]
2. Think about a time when you felt encouraged or held accountable by your community. How did this experience impact your faith journey, and how can you offer similar support to others? [50:24]
3. If you have experienced hurt within a church community, what steps can you take towards healing and restoration, as suggested in the sermon? [52:24]
4. Consider the diversity within your community. How can you actively learn from and contribute to the growth of others with different perspectives and experiences? [46:45]
5. The sermon invites those who do not yet know Jesus to join the community. How can you extend this invitation to someone in your life who might be seeking a spiritual family? [58:10]
6. Identify one specific way you can foster unity and support within your community this week. What practical steps will you take to make this happen? [57:19]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the transformative power of community. How can you be more intentional in building meaningful connections within your group? [53:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Community as a Divine Calling
Community is not merely a social construct but a divine calling for Christians. It is within the context of community that believers are called to live out their faith, as emphasized by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. This calling involves serving one another, growing together in faith, and living a life worthy of the calling received. Community provides a space where individuals can experience shared spiritual growth, accountability, and encouragement. It is a place where believers can serve the Lord collectively and support each other in their spiritual journeys. The unity and diversity within the body of Christ allow for a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that contribute to the overall health and growth of the community. [42:21]
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth of your community this week, and what steps will you take to live out your calling within it?
Day 2: Unity in Diversity
The body of Christ is a diverse community where each member plays a unique role in contributing to the whole. This diversity is not only welcomed but is essential for the growth and strength of the community. Through different perspectives and experiences, believers can learn from one another and be enriched by the variety of gifts and talents present. Unity in diversity allows the community to reflect the fullness of God's creation and His intention for His people to live in harmony. It is through this unity that the body of Christ can effectively serve and witness to the world, demonstrating the love and grace of God in action. [46:45]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: In what ways can you celebrate and embrace the diversity within your community, and how can you use your unique gifts to promote unity?
Day 3: Accountability and Encouragement
In a world that often challenges Christian beliefs, having a supportive community is crucial for maintaining faith and hope. Community provides a space for accountability and encouragement, where believers can hold each other up and remain steadfast in their spiritual journey. Through shared experiences and mutual support, individuals can find strength and encouragement to persevere in their faith. The relationships formed within a community serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of walking together in love and truth. [50:24]
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 community can you reach out to for encouragement or accountability this week, and how can you offer the same support to others?
Day 4: Healing and Restoration
For those who have been hurt by the church or feel hesitant to join a community, it is important to remember that God is strong enough to overcome past wounds. Community can be a place of healing and restoration, where God uses relationships to bring about forgiveness and growth. Through the support and love of others, individuals can experience healing from past hurts and find a renewed sense of belonging. It is within the context of community that believers can be reminded that they are not alone in their journey and that God is present in their lives through the people around them. [52:24]
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."
Reflection: Is there a past hurt or wound that you need to bring to God for healing, and how can your community support you in this process?
Day 5: Invitation to Belong
The invitation to follow Jesus is also an invitation to belong to a family of believers. This community provides support, prayer, and companionship, ensuring that no one walks their spiritual journey alone. Being part of a community means being part of a family that cares for one another and shares in each other's joys and struggles. It is through these relationships that believers can experience the love and grace of God in tangible ways. The community of believers serves as a reminder that following Jesus is a life-changing decision that brings about a sense of belonging and purpose. [58:10]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: How can you extend an invitation to someone who may feel isolated or disconnected, inviting them to experience the love and support of your community?
Quotes
"Hebrews chapter 10 verses 23 through 25 says, let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. So let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works, and let us not neglect meeting together as some people do, but encourage one another, brother, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." [00:50:24] (33 seconds)
"The author of this letter just, he had a whole, there's a whole chapter of him just talking about who Jesus is, what he did, why what he did on the cross is not just to forgive our, not to just cover up our sins, but to take our sins away. And he says, hold tightly to that faith and that hope that you have in Jesus. Do not let it waver." [00:50:57] (22 seconds)
"To remind you that he's the kind of God that is strong enough to create a spring of water that comes up through desolate ground. He says, forget the former things for I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up. Maybe you're here today and you've been hurt by the church. You've been hurt. I understand that." [00:51:58] (24 seconds)
"And it really changed who I was. I became, I started out as this like lost young mom. I didn't really know what I was doing. I had all this shame and God redeemed me through all those relationships, through mentorship, through Bible study, through these Tuesdays with Karina. It's about connecting with people. It's about letting people in. And I know it's scary and I know it's hard, but you know what? God is strong enough to overcome whatever we've been through. And he wants to bring healing today." [00:53:32] (37 seconds)
"Maybe you're here today and you're like, I've been there, done that. I'm not doing that again. I can't, I don't want to get hurt again. And church, part of your calling is to be in community. That's who we are. We are the body of Christ. We're not the hand. We're not the thumb. We're not the foot. We are the body of Christ. We need each other." [00:54:09] (26 seconds)
"So I know a lot of you are in groups, but maybe, maybe your next step is to make a connection in that group to somebody instead of just attending the group, like finding somebody in that group where you can make a connection. You can go out for coffee. You can make a friendship. You can mentor someone or you can get a mentor. Maybe you haven't joined a group. There's still time. They just started. Some of them aren't even starting for a couple more weeks. Go on our website, go to the, community group page and get signed up for a group." [00:54:48] (32 seconds)
"Maybe your next step is like Daniel's was, was to join a team. There's so much community and serving on a team, serving together, being a part of what God is doing in the house. That's so powerful. You can make friends. You can lean on each other, pray for each other. So maybe your next step is maybe you're already part of a group. Maybe your next step is to join the dream team." [00:55:47] (23 seconds)
"Maybe, maybe your next step is to go on a, a go, global trip or a go local trip. One of our missions trips that we're going to be announcing later on pretty soon this year, we're going to be announcing some trips that were, that are coming up. You know, when I was in, in youth ministry as a youth leader, parents would always come up to me and be like, I really want my, my kid to get connected. I, I don't know. They don't, they don't have any friends. And you know what I would say, send them to camp, send them on a missions trip because they're kind of forced into community for like a week together and they make friends." [00:56:11] (34 seconds)
"Maybe you're here today and you know, maybe you have or you haven't heard about Jesus before and you hear me up here talking about God, talking about this family that God has created, talking about Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and not just covers our sins, but makes our sin no more, makes us righteous, makes us redeemed." [00:57:19] (27 seconds)
"When you make the decision to follow Jesus, you will never be the same. Your life will be different. I'm not saying it's gonna get easier because we all know life happens, things happen, but you will not be alone. You will have a savior, you will have a comforter, you will have a father. You will have a God that is with you." [00:58:10] (30 seconds)
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