Embracing Community: Reflecting God's Nature Together

Devotional

Day 1: The Vital Role of Church Community

The church community is more than just a gathering; it is a living, breathing entity that reflects the relational nature of God. Ephesians 5:25 underscores the immense value Christ places on the church, as He died for it. This community is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being. The pandemic has challenged our ability to gather physically, but it has also highlighted the need for connection, whether in person or online. Being part of a church community offers numerous benefits, including spiritual growth, emotional support, and even physical health advantages. Studies suggest that people aged 40-65 who are active in church communities experience less stress and better overall health. [02:17]

Ephesians 5:25 (ESV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Reflection: Think about your current involvement in your church community. How can you deepen your connection with fellow believers this week, either in person or online?

Day 2: The Power of Encouragement

Hebrews 10:24-25 teaches us the importance of meeting together to encourage one another in love and good deeds. This mutual encouragement strengthens our faith and helps us to persevere in our Christian walk. Being part of a church community allows us to both give and receive this vital support. Encouragement is not just a nice addition to our faith; it is a crucial element that helps us to stay strong and committed in our journey with Christ. [11:08]

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 could use some encouragement today? Reach out to them with a message, call, or visit to offer your support and love.

Day 3: Reflecting God's Image Through Community

Genesis 1:26 reveals that we are created in the image of a triune God, indicating that we are designed for community. Our gatherings as a church reflect this divine image, showing the world the relational nature of God. This is why community is so important to God—He is a community Himself. When we come together as a church, we mirror the relational aspect of God and demonstrate His love and unity to the world. [18:14]

Genesis 1:26 (ESV): "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'"

Reflection: How does your participation in church community reflect the image of God? What steps can you take to better mirror His relational nature in your interactions with others?

Day 4: The Church's Mission to the Unsaved

Our primary mission as a church is to show the unsaved world who God is. John 13:34-35 emphasizes that our love for one another is a testimony to the world that we are disciples of Christ. This love and unity are crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission. When the world sees our genuine love and unity, they are drawn to the God we serve. [27:52]

John 13:34-35 (ESV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Reflection: Reflect on how your love for fellow believers can serve as a testimony to those who do not yet know Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to demonstrate this love more clearly?

Day 5: Building a Strong Spiritual House

1 Peter 2:4-6 describes Christians as living stones being built into a spiritual house. Each new believer adds to the strength and integrity of this house. Our unity and collective strength enable us to bear God's image and carry out His mission effectively, both locally and globally. As we grow together, we become a powerful force for God's kingdom, impacting our neighborhoods and workplaces. [29:05]

1 Peter 2:4-6 (ESV): "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Consider how you can contribute to building a strong spiritual house within your church community. What unique gifts or talents can you offer to strengthen and support your fellow believers?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today's message focused on the importance of church community and how it reflects the very nature of God. We began by contemplating two key questions: How important is community to God? And what is more important than the unsaved seeing God? The answers to these questions reveal the profound significance of gathering as a church. Church is not merely a building; it is the collective body of believers who come together to worship, encourage, and support one another. This gathering is crucial not only for our spiritual well-being but also for fulfilling God's mission on Earth.

Ephesians 5:25 reminds us that Christ died for the church, emphasizing the value He places on this community. The pandemic has challenged our ability to gather physically, but it has also highlighted the need for connection, whether in person or online. Being part of a church community offers numerous benefits, including spiritual growth, emotional support, and even physical health advantages. Studies suggest that people aged 40-65 who are active in church communities experience less stress and better overall health.

A healthy church community fosters strong relationships within and extends its influence outward, creating stronger neighborhoods and workplaces. Acts 2:46-47 illustrates that a unified church, praising God and sharing life together, naturally grows as more people are saved. This growth is not just about numbers but about adding followers of Christ who contribute to the community's strength and mission.

John's writings in 1 John 1:4 emphasize the joy and completeness that come from fellowship with one another and with God. This fellowship, or "koinonia," involves sharing a common bond and life, reflecting the relational nature of God Himself. Genesis 1:26 reveals that we are created in the image of a triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—indicating that we are designed for community.

In conclusion, being part of a church community is essential for reflecting God's image and fulfilling our purpose as Christians. It is through our unity and love for one another that we can effectively show the world who God is. If you are not yet part of this community, consider making that commitment today.

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Key Takeaways

1. being. [02:17]
2. The Role of Encouragement: Hebrews 10:24-25 teaches us the importance of meeting together to encourage one another in love and good deeds. This mutual encouragement strengthens our faith and helps us to persevere in our Christian walk. Being part of a church community allows us to both give and receive this vital support.

3. Reflecting God's Image: Genesis 1:26 reveals that we are created in the image of a triune God, indicating that we are designed for community. Our gatherings as a church reflect this divine image, showing the world the relational nature of God. This is why community is so important to God—He is a community Himself.

4. The Mission of the Church: Our primary mission as a church is to show the unsaved world who God is. John 13:34-35 emphasizes that our love for one another is a testimony to the world that we are disciples of Christ. This love and unity are crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission.

5. Building a Strong Spiritual House: 1 Peter 2:4-6 describes Christians as living stones being built into a spiritual house. Each new believer adds to the strength and integrity of this house. Our unity and collective strength enable us to bear God's image and carry out His mission effectively, both locally and globally.

### [02:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Opening Questions
[02:17] - Importance of Church Community
[03:03] - Addressing Pandemic Concerns
[04:41] - Getting Involved with Each Other
[06:09] - Health Benefits of Church Community
[07:18] - Church Body vs. Church Community
[08:20] - Biblical Basis for Church Growth
[10:10] - Encouragement in the Church
[11:08] - The Role of Encouragement
[13:41] - Importance of Christian Fellowship
[18:14] - Created in God's Image
[20:22] - Reflecting God's Image
[24:00] - Fulfillment in Gathering
[25:05] - Mission to the Unsaved
[29:05] - Building a Spiritual House
[34:52] - Jesus as the Cornerstone
[36:14] - Invitation to Join the Community

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 5:25, who did Christ die for, and what does this imply about the importance of the church community? [02:17]
What does Hebrews 10:24-25 suggest about the role of encouragement within the church community? [11:08]
In Genesis 1:26, what does the phrase "Let us make mankind in our image" indicate about the nature of God and our design for community? [18:14]
How does Acts 2:46-47 describe the early church's activities and their impact on the community? [08:20]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Christ died for the church, as mentioned in Ephesians 5:25? How does this shape our understanding of the church's value? [02:17]
How does the encouragement mentioned in Hebrews 10:24-25 help believers persevere in their faith? What are some practical ways this can be implemented in a church setting? [11:08]
What does Genesis 1:26 reveal about the relational nature of God, and how should this influence our approach to community within the church? [18:14]
How does the unity and fellowship described in Acts 2:46-47 contribute to the growth of the church? What can modern churches learn from this example? [08:20]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt encouraged by someone in your church community. How did it impact your faith journey? How can you be an encourager to others this week? [11:08]
Considering Ephesians 5:25, how can you personally contribute to the well-being and growth of your church community? What specific actions can you take? [02:17]
Genesis 1:26 shows that we are created in the image of a relational God. How can you foster deeper relationships within your church community to reflect this divine image? [18:14]
Acts 2:46-47 highlights the importance of sharing life together. What are some practical ways you can engage more deeply with your church community, both inside and outside the church building? [08:20]
The sermon mentioned the health benefits of being part of a church community. How has being part of a church positively affected your life? How can you share these benefits with others who may feel isolated? [06:09]
Reflect on John 13:34-35, which emphasizes love as a testimony to the world. How can your love for fellow believers serve as a witness to those who do not yet know Christ? [27:52]
1 Peter 2:4-6 describes believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house. How can you contribute to building a strong and unified church community? What specific roles or ministries can you get involved in? [29:05]

Sermon Clips

1. "Did you know that one of the greatest acts of Christianity that we can perform as Christians is to gather? Now, I didn't say the greatest. The greatest act of Christians is to come to church. What I said was, one of the greatest acts that we can do as Christians is to gather together. Now, we have a blessing that we have this church that we get to gather in. And that's a blessing for us to have this building." [02:17] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "But coming to a building isn't church. It's when Christians gather together as a church. So let's think about that. And the reason that church is important is not only us, but it's important to Christ. Jesus. Died for the church. In Ephesians 5.25, it says, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and he gave himself up for her. So Christ died, not for this building, right? No, for the people inside of this building. Christ died for us, who's part of the church." [02:17] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I truly believe that God's will for his children is to be part of a church. I truly believe that and I believe that there's great benefits that will receive from being part of the church. And this like I said, this doesn't. It doesn't mean just coming to church, but this is to get involved in church. Not and then I'm not saying this ain't a message that you need to get involved with children's ministry or this outreach or this outreach or that this outreach." [04:41] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "A strong healthy church that has a strong healthy community inside of these walls is going to create a strong community outside of these walls. It's going to create a strong community in your neighborhood. It's going to build strong communities in your jobs your workplaces your schools. So a healthy church inside the building creates a stronger neighborhood. Hood outside it will cause our families to be stronger. It will cause our neighborhood to be stronger." [06:09] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So a church community with unity. Will not only be a blessing to each other, but it'll be a blessing to the Lord. The scripture should encourage us that a good healthy church is not just adding numbers, but adding saved people. And so what does that mean? Is that we're not once somebody saved? What do they become a follower of Christ? So we're adding people that are becoming followers of Christ to our family. Isn't that awesome to think about that? Not just a number. You're not just a number, but you're a follower of Christ." [10:10] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So Paul is telling us to meet together to love with each other and do good deeds for each other. Right? And how many times? How many times have you been blessed by somebody in the church? I know I have. There's sometimes I get blessed by people in church and I don't even need a blessing. But somebody was willing to say, hey, I thought maybe that you would need this. So I'm going to bless you with this. Anybody have that encouragement? Have you ever had somebody in the church come up and say, you look like you're really down today. Can I encourage you today? Do you need somebody to listen to today?" [11:08] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "So what John is saying is that if you fellowship with each other, your joy may be complete. The word that he uses here is that in ancient Greek, the word fellowship is koinonia. It took me like a week to say that. Koinonia. That's the Greek word for fellowship as you say. Koinonia. Which speaks of sharing. So what that means is it speaks of sharing a communion, a common bond, and a common life. That's what John is saying here. And he's saying it speaks of living, breathing, sharing, loving relationships with each other. Is what John is saying. He's saying if you do that, you'll find joy. You'll have joy." [16:25] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "So God loves community so much. He is a community. So the image of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, which makes God a community. So this means if we were created in the image of God, we then are created to be community beings. Christians are designed for community. We were designed to be together with each other. We were not created to be alone. So if you're alone and you're online watching us and you're alone, connect with us. It's not good to be alone." [21:21] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "So when people become saved, they then become part of the building. So when you're saved and you become part of the church, you become part of the building. So I bet you today on the way to church, I bet you not one person stopped and said, Oh, look at that rock. That's the most beautiful rock I've ever seen before. I bet you not one person was even amazed by a building made out of rocks today. You probably didn't stop on your way to church and say, Man, that is one of the greatest rock buildings I've ever seen before." [30:58] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "So let's not miss the message today that we are living stones being put together to build something great. Not only something great, but it's one of the greatest and strongest buildings on this planet. When we reflect the image of God, we become one of the greatest, strongest buildings on the planet. We can bear God's image in the darkest of our communities. Think about what church can do, a community. We can go into the darkest places of Africa and minister God's word. We can go into the scariest places in China and minister God's word. We can go into the desert of Afghanistan and minister God's word." [33:02] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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