Embracing Community Through the Power of Jesus' Name

 

Summary

In the presence of God and the fellowship of believers, we gather to affirm the power of Jesus' name over every aspect of our lives. We proclaim His sovereignty over sin, strongholds, sickness, loneliness, and barrenness. We speak Jesus' name with authority, knowing that in His name there is peace and presence that transcends our understanding. We shout His name from the mountains to the streets, in the darkness, and over every enemy. We declare the holy name of Jesus over our families, trusting in His power to transform and heal.

We are reminded that God is always with us, and His promise to never forsake us empowers us to speak His name in faith. Our gratitude for His constant companionship is boundless, and we thank Jesus for His presence in our lives. As we gather in prayer and seek to connect with one another, we recognize the importance of Christian community, especially as we approach seasons of reflection like Lent.

Our relationships within the church are vital, not only for our spiritual growth but also for the well-being of our community. We are created in the image of a relational God, and it is not good for us to be alone. Our need for others is intrinsic to our design, and our community needs us to be engaged and connected. Strong relationships within the church lead to kindness and selflessness that extend beyond the church walls.

To foster these relationships, we must overcome our individualistic mindset and embrace our need for others. We must serve within the church, not just sit in the pews. Serving alongside others helps us to form bonds and friendships. We must also develop a heart and mind that love like Jesus, putting the needs of others above our own. The church provides unique opportunities to befriend those unlike ourselves, breaking down walls of hostility and uniting us in Christ.

In our busy society, we must make space for relationships. Owning our calendars and prioritizing community over personal advancement or fleeting interests is essential. We must also create space for those on the outside, taking the initiative to build relationships and showing respect for the commitments we make with others.

Key Takeaways:

- The power of Jesus' name is transformative and all-encompassing. When we speak His name over every area of our life, we are invoking the peace and presence of God Himself. This act of faith is not a mere utterance but a declaration of our trust in His sovereignty and goodness. [43:51]

- Embracing our need for others is not a sign of weakness but an acknowledgment of God's design for us as relational beings. We are created in the image of a relational God, and to deny our need for community is to deny a core aspect of our identity. [53:44]

- Serving within the church is a pathway to deeper relationships. When we serve, we not only contribute to the body of Christ but also open ourselves up to meaningful connections with our fellow believers. [58:49]

- The church is a unique place where diverse individuals are united by their faith in Jesus. This unity transcends cultural, social, and personal differences, creating a community where love and support are based on the most important commonality: our shared salvation. [01:07:05]

- Making space for relationships is a deliberate choice that requires us to prioritize people over tasks and schedules. By intentionally creating time for others, we demonstrate the value we place on community and our commitment to living out the commandment to love one another. [01:10:06]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:18 (NLT)
> "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.'"

2. John 13:34-35 (NLT)
> "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

3. Ephesians 2:13-16 (NLT)
> "But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 2:18, why did God decide to create a helper for man?
2. In John 13:34-35, what new commandment does Jesus give to His disciples, and what is the purpose of this commandment?
3. How does Ephesians 2:13-16 describe the unity that Christ brings between Jews and Gentiles?
4. What are some specific areas of life mentioned in the sermon where we should proclaim the name of Jesus? ([43:51])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God said it is "not good for man to be alone" in Genesis 2:18? How does this relate to our need for community within the church?
2. How does Jesus' command to "love each other" in John 13:34-35 challenge our individualistic mindset? ([53:08])
3. What does it mean for the church to be a place where diverse individuals are united by their faith in Jesus, as described in Ephesians 2:13-16? ([01:04:54])
4. How does serving within the church help us form deeper relationships, according to the sermon? ([58:49])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the transformative power of Jesus' name in your life. How can you make it a habit to proclaim His name over different areas of your life? ([43:51])
2. In what ways can you embrace your need for others and overcome an individualistic mindset? Are there specific steps you can take to build stronger relationships within your church community? ([53:08])
3. How can you actively serve within your church to foster deeper connections with fellow believers? Identify one ministry or area where you can start serving. ([58:49])
4. Think about someone in your church who is different from you in terms of background, interests, or culture. How can you take the initiative to build a friendship with them? ([01:04:54])
5. Evaluate your current schedule. Are there activities or commitments that you can adjust to make more space for building relationships within your church community? ([01:07:42])
6. How can you show respect for the commitments you make with others, especially when it comes to building and maintaining relationships? ([01:10:06])
7. Identify one person in your church who might feel lonely or disconnected. What specific action can you take this week to reach out and include them in your community? ([53:44])

Devotional

Day 1: Invoking Jesus' Transformative Power
In the name of Jesus, there is a profound transformation that touches every facet of existence. Speaking His name with authority is not a mere formality but an act of faith that acknowledges His sovereignty and invites His peace and presence into situations. Whether facing sin, sickness, or any form of lack, invoking Jesus' name is to call upon the power that shaped the universe and trust in His ability to bring change. This is a declaration of dependence on God's goodness and an affirmation of His ability to heal and renew. It is a practice that should permeate the daily lives of believers, as they speak Jesus' name over their families, work, and personal challenges, expecting His power to manifest in tangible ways. [43:51]

"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (Romans 10:13-14 ESV)

Reflection: What specific situation in your life needs the transformative power of Jesus' name, and how can you actively invoke His presence in that area today?

Day 2: Embracing Community as God's Design
Acknowledging the need for others is an essential aspect of living out God's design for humanity. Created in the image of a relational God, it is intrinsic to human nature to seek and foster community. This is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of the divine image within. The Christian community, in particular, is a place where individuals can find mutual support, growth, and a sense of belonging. It is within this community that believers are reminded that they are not alone and that their lives are enriched through the relationships they build. The church is not just a gathering of individuals but a body of interconnected members, each playing a vital role in the spiritual and emotional well-being of one another. [53:44]

"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: How can you take a step towards deeper involvement in your church community this week, and what might be holding you back from doing so?

Day 3: Serving Leads to Deeper Connections
Serving within the church is not just about fulfilling roles or tasks; it is a pathway to forming deep and lasting relationships. As believers work alongside each other, they share experiences, bear one another's burdens, and build friendships that reflect the love of Christ. This service is a practical expression of faith that strengthens the church and fosters a sense of unity and purpose. It is through serving that individuals can move beyond the comfort of the pews and into the transformative experience of living out their faith in action, creating bonds that are both spiritually enriching and personally fulfilling. [58:49]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can serve within your church community this month, and how might this act of service lead to new or deeper relationships?

Day 4: Unity in Diversity Through Christ
The church is a mosaic of individuals from various backgrounds, united by their common faith in Jesus Christ. This unity is a testament to the power of the gospel to transcend differences and create a community where love and acceptance are the norm. Within the church, barriers of hostility are broken down, and believers are called to befriend those unlike themselves, reflecting the inclusive heart of God. The church's unique ability to bring together diverse individuals in Christ demonstrates the potential for harmony and understanding in a world often marked by division. [01:07:05]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28 ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your church community who comes from a different background than you, and how can you take a step this week to build a relationship with them?

Day 5: Prioritizing Relationships in a Busy World
In a society that often values productivity and personal advancement over relationships, making space for others is a countercultural act. It requires intentional choices to prioritize people over tasks, demonstrating the value placed on community and the commitment to living out Jesus' command to love one another. This may mean re-evaluating schedules, setting aside personal interests, or reaching out to include those who feel marginalized. By creating time for relationships, believers live out the gospel in practical ways, showing the world that the church values people as Jesus does. [01:10:06]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV)

Reflection: What is one change you can make to your weekly schedule that will allow you to invest more in relationships, and who is someone you can reach out to this week as a result?

Quotes

- "We need to embrace our need for others. You might say, 'Pastor Stephen, others have hurt me, I don't need others.' You need others." [53:44](Download | Download)

- "It's not good for man to be alone... we were created as relational beings which is why he says it's not good to be alone." [55:37](Download | Download)

- "The people who have the strongest relationships within their church end up being the most kind and selfless people towards those in their community." [56:54](Download | Download)

- "Don't just sit; serve. So many people come to church with the mentality of 'Pastor, feed me.' But when you serve, you can't help but get to know people." [57:33](Download | Download)

- "We need to develop a heart and mind that love like Jesus does... putting their needs above your own." [01:01:47](Download | Download)

- "The church gives us opportunities to befriend those unlike ourselves... in what other situation do we pull people together from such a vast array of backgrounds and say, 'Hey, you're one body'?" [01:04:13](Download | Download)

- "In the church, we see people with wide distinctions who outside the church's walls would have very large walls between them, but as they come inside here, the walls are torn down." [01:06:19](Download | Download)

- "Those with the deepest relationships are those who relentlessly take the initiative to create space for others." [01:10:06](Download | Download)

- "Make space for relationships. Own your calendar... we need to make space on the calendar for friendships and community." [01:07:05](Download | Download)

- "If you make an appointment with someone... please show respect for the commitments you make with others." [01:11:26](Download | Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?