Embracing Partnership: Overcoming Loneliness Through Community
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of partnership within the body of Christ, emphasizing how it serves as a remedy for the pervasive loneliness in our society. We began by celebrating the joy of family and community, recognizing the blessings of grandchildren and the shared journey of faith within our church family. This sense of belonging is crucial, especially in a world where loneliness is considered an epidemic, affecting one in three Americans weekly. Despite the constant connectivity offered by technology, many still feel isolated. However, the Bible provides a solution: embracing the gospel and living for Jesus, which fosters genuine community and purpose.
We delved into Acts 6, where the early church faced challenges but demonstrated the power of partnership. The apostles, recognizing the importance of both prayer and service, appointed seven men to ensure the fair distribution of resources, highlighting that everyone in the church is called to serve. This passage reminds us that every believer is gifted by the Holy Spirit to contribute uniquely to the church's mission. Serving is not just about fulfilling tasks but about creating an environment where the gospel can be shared and lives transformed.
The power of partnership extends beyond our local church. By collaborating with other churches and ministries, we can achieve more than we could alone. This collective effort is evident in initiatives like disaster relief and community outreach, where our combined resources and prayers make a significant impact. The story of a man from Myanmar, whose ancestors were converted through the ministry of Adoniram Judson, illustrates the lasting impact of such partnerships.
Ultimately, our shared goal is to glorify God and see lives changed by the gospel. As we serve together, we witness the multiplication of disciples and even the conversion of those who seem far from faith, like the priests in Acts 6. This is why we pray, give, and go—so that the Word of God can be proclaimed, and the Holy Spirit can draw people to Christ. Let us continue to embrace our roles within the church, knowing that we are not alone and that our service contributes to the greater mission of making disciples.
Key Takeaways:
- The Epidemic of Loneliness: Despite living in a hyper-connected world, loneliness remains a significant issue. The Bible offers a solution through community and service, emphasizing that living for Jesus and embracing the gospel can combat feelings of isolation. [47:02]
- The Power of Partnership: Acts 6 demonstrates the importance of partnership in the church. By working together, believers can address challenges and ensure that the mission of prayer and the Word continues. This partnership extends beyond local congregations, impacting communities and the world. [50:34]
- Everyone is Called and Gifted to Serve: Every believer is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve the church. This diversity of gifts ensures that all aspects of ministry are covered, from welcoming newcomers to teaching and outreach, creating an environment where the gospel can flourish. [01:04:41]
- Shared Goals in Service: Our service is not just about fulfilling tasks but about glorifying God and advancing the gospel. Whether through local ministries or broader initiatives, our collective efforts aim to lift high the name of Jesus and see lives transformed. [01:16:27]
- Lives Changed by the Gospel: The ultimate goal of our service is to see lives changed by the gospel. As we faithfully serve and proclaim the Word, even those who seem far from faith, like the priests in Acts 6, can come to know Christ. This is the power of the gospel at work. [01:19:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [0:30] - Joy of Family and Community
- [2:00] - The Epidemic of Loneliness
- [4:00] - Embracing the Gospel
- [6:00] - Introduction to Acts 6
- [8:00] - The Early Church's Challenges
- [10:00] - Everyone Called to Serve
- [12:00] - The Giftedness of Believers
- [14:00] - The Power of Partnership
- [16:00] - Shared Goals in Service
- [18:00] - Lives Changed by the Gospel
- [20:00] - Invitation to Serve
- [22:00] - Closing Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Partnership
Bible Reading:
- Acts 6:1-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the main issue faced by the early church in Acts 6, and how did the apostles address it? [53:44]
2. According to the sermon, what are some modern-day distractions people use to combat loneliness, and how does the Bible propose a different solution? [48:40]
3. How did the early church demonstrate the power of partnership, and what was the result of their actions according to Acts 6:7? [01:19:43]
4. What role did the Holy Spirit play in the early church's ability to overcome challenges and grow in number? [50:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the appointment of the seven men in Acts 6 reflect the importance of diverse gifts within the church community? [01:06:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that serving others can help combat feelings of loneliness? [47:02]
3. How does the story of the man from Myanmar illustrate the long-term impact of partnerships in ministry? [01:12:18]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between prayer, the Word, and the growth of the church? [01:08:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own experiences with loneliness. How might serving in your church community help you feel more connected? [47:02]
2. Identify a specific gift or talent you have. How can you use it to serve your church and contribute to its mission? [01:04:41]
3. Think about a time when you witnessed the power of partnership in action. How did it impact you, and how can you apply that experience to your current involvement in church activities? [01:12:18]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and the Word in church growth. How can you incorporate more prayer and Bible study into your daily routine to support your church's mission? [01:08:51]
5. Consider the shared goals of your church community. How can you align your personal goals with these to help advance the gospel? [01:16:27]
6. The sermon mentions that even those who seem far from faith can be reached by the gospel. Who in your life might be far from faith, and what steps can you take to share the gospel with them? [01:19:43]
7. Reflect on the idea that everyone is called to serve. What is one new way you can get involved in serving at your church this month? [01:01:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Community to Combat Loneliness
In a world where loneliness is rampant, the Bible offers a profound solution through the community found in Christ. Despite the illusion of connection through technology, many people feel isolated. The gospel invites us into a family where we are known and loved, providing a remedy for this pervasive loneliness. By living for Jesus and engaging in the life of the church, we find genuine relationships and a sense of belonging. This community is not just a social gathering but a spiritual family that supports and encourages one another in faith. [47:02]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to offer support or companionship, and how can you intentionally foster deeper relationships within your church family?
Day 2: The Strength of Church Partnerships
Acts 6 illustrates the power of partnership within the church. The early church faced challenges, but by working together, they ensured that both prayer and service were prioritized. This partnership is not limited to local congregations but extends to collaborations with other churches and ministries. Such collective efforts can have a significant impact, as seen in initiatives like disaster relief and community outreach. By joining forces, believers can achieve more than they could alone, demonstrating the strength and effectiveness of unity in Christ. [50:34]
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a ministry or initiative that your church is involved in. How can you contribute to this effort, and what steps can you take to foster partnerships with other believers or churches?
Day 3: Uniquely Gifted to Serve
Every believer is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve the church. This diversity of gifts ensures that all aspects of ministry are covered, from welcoming newcomers to teaching and outreach. Serving is not just about completing tasks but about creating an environment where the gospel can flourish. Each person's contribution is vital to the church's mission, and recognizing and utilizing these gifts can lead to a thriving community of faith. [01:04:41]
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the unique gifts God has given you. How can you use these gifts to serve your church community, and what steps can you take to actively engage in ministry?
Day 4: Serving with a Shared Purpose
Our service in the church is not just about fulfilling tasks but about glorifying God and advancing the gospel. Whether through local ministries or broader initiatives, our collective efforts aim to lift high the name of Jesus and see lives transformed. This shared purpose unites believers in their mission, creating a powerful force for change in the world. By serving together, we witness the multiplication of disciples and the spread of the gospel. [01:16:27]
"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 is one specific way you can contribute to your church's mission this week, and how can you encourage others to join you in this shared purpose?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The ultimate goal of our service is to see lives changed by the gospel. As we faithfully serve and proclaim the Word, even those who seem far from faith can come to know Christ. This is the power of the gospel at work, transforming hearts and drawing people to Jesus. By embracing our roles within the church, we participate in God's redemptive plan and witness the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in changing lives. [01:19:43]
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who seems far from faith. How can you pray for them and share the love of Christ with them this week, trusting in the transformative power of the gospel?
Quotes
1) "We believe this is the word of God Amen We believe it with all our hearts We're not going to veer from it We're not going to turn to the right or to the left We realize that sometimes The gospel does divide And sometimes people don't like everything That's found in scriptures They want to hear things that tickle their ears We're not going to turn from the right or the left Of the scriptures And we know that Highland Heights is committed To the word of God That it is reliable It's infallible It's inerrant And then secondly We believe that we are better together That through partnership We can share the gospel Further and broader And wider Than we ever could As individual churches And individual believers" [47:02] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "And yet, all along, Highland Heights, the Bible tells us, it gives us the answer to the pandemic of loneliness. Christians have the good news. We have the answer because the scriptures tell Christians how to defeat loneliness. And the secret is embracing the good news. The gospel and living for Jesus. Amen? Striving to live for Christ. Striving to point the rest of the world to Him. It's serving that actually helps us overcome and defeat loneliness in our lives." [48:40] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The power of partnership, just to bring us up to speed, in Acts, chapter 6, or excuse me, in the book of Acts, Jesus has come. He's lived a perfect, sinless life. He has been crucified, laid into a tomb. He physically, literally, through the power of God, has been resurrected again from the dead. He appeared to thousands of people, affirming His life again and teachings and miracles. He gave His life. His maybe greatest last words, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, I tell you to, what church? To go and make disciples, right?" [50:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Every church has problems. Every single, just like every single person, every single family, every church has problems too. Why? Because when you infuse sinful, imperfect people into any group, any church, we're not going to be perfect anymore. And that's why we need the power of the Holy Spirit working in our midst so that we can pray and that we can work through it in a God -honoring manner." [53:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The answer to everything that the world and we struggle with is right here in the word of God and amongst us in the family of God through the empowerment of the spirit of God. They called the full number of disciples and they agree. Hey, this isn't right. It's not right that they get fed first and they don't get anything. We in the discord that that creates. That's not good. That distracts the church. That distracts the fellowship from being on mission. And what was the mission? Prayer and the word." [01:08:51] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Lives are changed by the gospel when we serve. Look what the passage says there to end in verse 16. Verse seven, six and seven, and the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. This, church, this is why we pray. This is why we give. This is why we go so that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus through disaster relief, through sending backpacks of school supplies to church plants and out to school." [01:19:43] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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