Embracing Community: Strength in Christ Together

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Gathering in Community

Gathering in community is essential for spiritual growth, support, and encouragement, as God created us to be in relationship with one another. When we come together—whether in worship, small groups, or acts of service—we find strength to face life's challenges, celebrate joys, and hold each other accountable in our walk with Christ. Community is where we experience the love of Jesus in tangible ways, receive encouragement during difficult times, and are reminded that we are not alone in our journey of faith. As we gather, we become a living testimony to the world of God's transforming power and love. [39:08]

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 is someone in your church or community you could reach out to this week to encourage or support, especially if you know they are struggling or feeling alone?

Day 2: Bearing One Another’s Burdens

We are called to carry each other's burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ by supporting and caring for one another in both good times and hard times. God designed us for relationship, and through community, we find people who will walk with us through celebrations and challenges, offering practical help, prayer, and accountability. Whether facing personal struggles, family difficulties, or larger world events, the church community is a place where no one should have to walk alone. By bearing one another’s burdens, we reflect the love and compassion of Jesus to each other and to the world. [47:20]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: What is one burden you are carrying right now that you could share with a trusted friend or small group, inviting them to pray for and support you?

Day 3: Devotion to God’s Word and Fellowship

Spiritual growth flourishes when we devote ourselves to the teaching of God’s Word, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and to prayer within the community of faith. The early church modeled this devotion, and we are called to do the same—immersing ourselves in Scripture, gathering for meals and communion, and praying together. In these practices, we encounter God’s presence, receive His grace, and are shaped into the people He desires us to be. Fellowship is not just about socializing; it is about growing together in Christ, being transformed by His truth, and supporting one another in our faith journeys. [52:34]

Acts 2:42 (ESV)
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Reflection: How can you intentionally make time this week to study God’s Word and share a meal or prayer with another believer, deepening your fellowship and spiritual growth?

Day 4: Encouragement and Lifting Each Other Up

Community is where we find encouragement, especially in seasons of heaviness or hardship, and where we help each other up when we fall. God’s design is that we do not walk alone; when one person stumbles, another is there to lift them up, offering hope and strength. The presence of a loving, supportive community can bring light into the darkest situations, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and the power of shared faith. Let us be intentional in encouraging those around us, being present in their lives, and offering a helping hand when needed. [53:44]

Ecclesiastes 4:10 (ESV)
"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: Who in your life needs encouragement or a helping hand right now, and what specific action can you take today to lift them up?

Day 5: Being a Witness Through Love and Service

As we gather in community and love one another as Christ has loved us, we become a powerful witness to the world of what it means to be His disciples. Our unity, compassion, and acts of service shine the light of Jesus into a world that desperately needs hope and truth. Whether serving locally or globally, in big ways or small, our love for one another and for our neighbors points people to Christ and expands His kingdom. Let us never underestimate the impact of our witness as a community, living out the gospel in word and deed. [59:09]

John 13:35 (ESV)
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally show Christ’s love to someone outside your usual circle this week, so that others may see Jesus through you?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family to seek God’s presence, to pray for our world, and to reflect on the vital importance of community in our walk with Christ. In a world marked by turmoil, violence, and uncertainty, we are called to look up—to fix our eyes on Jesus and to speak His name over every darkness, both near and far. We remembered the pain and loss of events like 9/11, ongoing wars, and tragedies in our own communities, and we responded by lifting these burdens to God in prayer, trusting in His power to bring hope and healing.

We also celebrated the ways God is moving among us, from our partnership with missionaries in South Africa to the tangible needs of building a community center that will serve as a beacon of hope, nourishment, and discipleship for children and families. This is a practical invitation for us to participate in God’s kingdom work, not just with our prayers but with our resources and our willingness to step out in faith.

Turning to Scripture, we focused on Hebrews 10:24-25 and the call to “gather in community.” Gathering is not just a tradition or a routine; it is a God-given means for us to support, care for, and encourage one another. My own journey was shaped by the transformative power of small groups—places where I was known, loved, challenged, and held accountable. In community, we bear each other’s burdens, celebrate joys, and walk through hardships together. We are created for relationship, both with God and with one another, and it is in these relationships that we find strength and hope.

Community is also where we grow spiritually. Like the early church, we devote ourselves to God’s Word, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and to prayer. These practices are not optional extras; they are the foundation of a vibrant faith. In community, we are encouraged when we are weary, lifted up when we fall, and reminded that we are not alone in our struggles or our mission.

Finally, as we gather, we become witnesses to the world. Our love for one another, our unity, and our service shine as a testimony to the reality of Christ. Whether in times of crisis, like the floods in Texas, or in everyday life, the church is called to show up, to serve, and to let the light of Jesus shine. Let us never take for granted the gift of gathering, and let us commit to being a community where Christ transforms lives and where the world can see the hope we have in Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Community as God’s Design for Support and Care God created us for relationship, not isolation. In community, we find a place to bear one another’s burdens, celebrate joys, and walk through hardships together. This mutual support is not just a comfort but a fulfillment of Christ’s law, reminding us that we are never meant to journey alone. True Christian community is a living expression of God’s love in action. [47:20]
2. Spiritual Growth Flourishes in Fellowship Spiritual maturity is cultivated when we gather to devote ourselves to God’s Word, to fellowship, to the sacraments, and to prayer. Wrestling with Scripture together, sharing meals, and praying as one body deepen our understanding and experience of God’s grace. These rhythms anchor us in truth and empower us to live out our faith authentically. [52:34]
3. Accountability and Transformation Happen Together We are not called to a passive or “vanilla” faith, but to a life of conviction and transformation. Community provides the context for honest accountability, where we challenge and encourage each other to live out the gospel with integrity. This sharpening is essential for personal growth and for the church’s witness in a world desperate for authenticity. [50:09]
4. Encouragement in Seasons of Weariness There are times when life’s burdens feel overwhelming—illness, loss, transitions, or spiritual dryness. In these moments, the encouragement of fellow believers is a lifeline, reminding us that we are not alone and that God’s people are present to lift us up. The presence of a loving community can turn even the darkest seasons into opportunities for hope and renewal. [53:44]
5. Gathering as a Witness to the World Our unity and love for one another are not just for our own benefit; they are a powerful testimony to the world of who Jesus is. When the church shows up in times of crisis, serves sacrificially, and lives out the gospel in everyday life, we become a living signpost pointing others to Christ. Our gatherings, both large and small, are opportunities to let our light shine and invite others into the hope we have found. [59:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:08] - South Africa Mission Update & Community Center
[35:47] - Responding to Tragedy: Prayer for Our World
[37:26] - Speaking the Name of Jesus Over Darkness
[39:08] - Shining God’s Light and Standing Firm
[43:49] - The Transformative Power of Small Groups
[44:59] - The Value of Ministries and Life Groups
[47:20] - Created for Relationship: Supporting One Another
[48:15] - Community in Good Times and Hard Times
[50:09] - Accountability and Spiritual Growth
[52:34] - Devotion to God’s Word and Fellowship
[53:44] - Encouragement and Lifting Each Other Up
[59:09] - Community as a Witness to the World
[60:49] - Letting Our Light Shine in Everyday Life
[62:24] - God on the Move: Our Call to Action
[63:31] - The Church Responds in Crisis
[64:22] - Being the Church in the World
[65:52] - Grow in Community: Our Sending Charge
[67:28] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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.

Galatians 6:2 (ESV) — > Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Acts 2:42 (ESV) — > And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 10:24-25, what are some reasons given for not neglecting to meet together as believers?
In the sermon, what examples were given of how the church community supports each other during both good times and hard times? [[48:15]]
What does Galatians 6:2 say about the way we are supposed to relate to one another in the church?
In Acts 2:42, what four practices did the early church devote themselves to, and how were these described in the sermon? [[52:34]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon described community as God’s design for support and care. Why might God have designed us to need each other, rather than to live out our faith alone? [[47:20]]
The pastor shared about his own experience in a small group that “loved me despite me.” What does this suggest about the kind of relationships God wants us to have in Christian community? [[43:49]]
The sermon emphasized that spiritual growth flourishes in fellowship, not just in private study. Why do you think wrestling with Scripture and praying together is so important for spiritual maturity? [[52:34]]
The message said that gathering as a church is a witness to the world. In what ways does our unity and love for each other show others who Jesus is? [[59:09]]

Application Questions

The sermon mentioned that we are called to “bear each other’s burdens.” Is there someone in your life or in this group who needs support right now? What is one practical way you could help carry their burden this week? [[47:20]]
The pastor talked about being “known, loved, challenged, and held accountable” in small groups. Which of these do you find most difficult to accept or offer to others? Why? [[43:49]]
Think about a time when you felt spiritually weary or discouraged. Did someone in your church community encourage you? If not, what kind of encouragement would have helped? [[53:44]]
The sermon described the early church as being devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Which of these rhythms is strongest in your life right now? Which one do you want to grow in, and what is a first step you could take? [[52:34]]
The message challenged us not to have a “vanilla” faith, but to let others hold us accountable. Is there an area of your life where you need more accountability? How could you invite someone to help you in that area? [[50:09]]
The church’s response to crisis—like the floods in Texas—was highlighted as a witness to the world. Is there a need in your community where you could “show up” and serve as the hands and feet of Jesus? What would it look like to take a step toward that this month? [[01:04:22]]
The pastor said, “Let us never take for granted the gift of gathering.” Are there habits or distractions in your life that keep you from gathering regularly with other believers? What is one change you could make to prioritize community? [[01:05:52]]

Sermon Clips

And through those all, it's so important, the community, for us to gather together in worship so that we get an extra shot in the arm that can help get us through. The Holy Spirit can get us through the next day and the next week and give us hope and strength in the promises of God. Amen? And so when we gather in small groups, we do that even on a greater measure because we take care of those people. So whether it's youth group or children's ministry or those life groups or bands or alpha small groups or Bible study small groups, it's a place of support. It's a place of care. It's so important for us. [00:49:29] (45 seconds) #DevotedToTeaching

Finally, it helps with accountability as we support and care for one another. Again, we're not called to be vanilla in our faith. Nothing in the gospels that Jesus talks about is vanilla, right? It calls us to convict us. It calls us to stand firm and to let our light shine, the light of Jesus Christ in this world so that his transformation might change what goes on in this world. And as we've reflected over the last three weeks, there's a lot of change needed in our world. Friends, may we hold each other accountable. Accountable to have a voice for the kingdom of God. May we hold ourselves accountable to stand firm and have a voice for the scriptures, God's word. [00:50:13] (51 seconds) #PowerOfFellowship

May we hold ourselves accountable, support and care for one another, call each other out where, hey, hey, maybe we shouldn't have that joke, right? Hey, maybe we shouldn't talk in that way. Hey, maybe we should be doing this and not this, right? But may we help hold each other accountable. By gathering in community, we support and care for each other in those ways. [00:51:04] (27 seconds) #GraceInCommunion

Another thing about gathering in community that's important is we grow spiritually. In Acts chapter 2, verse 42, it says, they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. First, the apostles' teaching, right? To God's word. At Asbury, God's word is foundational. You saw every year we give our kindergartners a Bible. We give our third graders a Bible because we want people to read it, to actually get into it, God's word, to digest it, not to fold down pages that your ideology and philosophy doesn't agree with, but to wrestle with those. Jacob wrestled with God Almighty. And he gave us the example that as we walk in faith, this is not our word to dispose of it as we seem fit, right? This is God's word. [00:51:31] (63 seconds) #PrayerTransformsFaith

Another way that we uh grow in gathering uh in community is that by gathering we encourage one another. I shared some of that talking about life groups and talking about bands, uh, but there are those days, those seasons where our hearts are heavy and we need extra encouragement. We might be walking with a a parent or a relative that is very sick, uh, maybe even near the end of their life and we need extra encouragement. We may be going through a rough time at work or there might be a job change, uh, whether we chose it or we didn't choose it right we may need a little encouragement uh the community of faith as we gather we encourage one another even in our walk of faith to see a room filled with all ages striving to check out hey what's the kingdom of god about who am i in that kingdom how am i supposed to live i hope that's encouraging to you it's encouraging to me to know i'm not alone i'm a sinner in need of god's grace i need brothers and sisters to come alongside me this pastor and i hope you can see that too within this room and so through gathering in community we support one another. [00:56:01] (87 seconds) #ChurchInAction

Finally, how do we grow in community? We grow in community by being a witness to the world. As we gather in community, we are a witness for the kingdom of God, right? In John chapter 13, verse 35, God's word tells us that as you love as I loved, they will know that you're my disciples. Love one another as I have loved you, and as you do that, the world will know that you are my disciples. Friends, may we never forget that we're called to a better life, that we're called in the midst of the darkness of the world. We're called in the midst of everything we made reference to over the last three weeks to stand firm on God's word, but to share his love and his grace, what God has done for us to share that good news with the world. [00:59:05] (62 seconds) #GatherGrowGo

To look ahead and to say the promises of God that, hey, we're all working to make heaven more crowded, and one day we're all going to be there together in celebration. And for us not to hold back on that, and to say that there's only one way the scripture says, there's only one way that Jesus says, he says, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one gets to the Father except through me, right? The world would tell you, hey, we got to include everyone. Jesus, yeah, he said, I'll include everyone who comes to me, right? But for those who don't come to him, no one gets to the Father except through Jesus Christ. May we know that as we gather together, we serve as a witness to one another about what a disciple of Jesus Christ looks like, as we pull together gatherings in our neighborhood, as we gather with other families at school, out on the sports field, in clubs, as we gather together on the golf course, as we gather together in a bridge club, whatever God has you doing in your life, right? [01:00:08] (78 seconds)

Friends, gathering in community is that what we were created for, to be in relationship with God, with one another. We support, we care for each other, we encourage each other, we grow spiritually. And when we do all that, we become witnesses for the kingdom of God. May we never take gathering for granted. May we never take our time of worship for granted. May we never take trying to get more involved for granted. Because friends, God's doing a great work. God's always on the move. And here at Asbury, we've seen God on the move. As God continues to grow all of our ministries, as God continues to bless us in this place, as God continues to use us as his hands and feet to make a difference inside these walls, in Raleigh, and even in South Africa, and in other places of the world. Friends, God is on the move. Let us move with him. Amen? [01:02:24] (71 seconds)

``Let us go. Let us grow and let us gather in community so the world will know who is in charge, so the world will know who loves them unconditionally, so the world will know of the hope that we have all claimed in our relationship with Jesus Christ, not just for now, not just for the years to come, but for all eternity. [01:06:29] (33 seconds)

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