Growing Together: The Power of Community in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Strength of Interconnectedness

Description: The analogy of trees in a forest illustrates the power of community. Trees grow stronger together through processes like inosculation, where they fuse through their wounds, and intertwining roots, which provide mutual support and nourishment. This natural phenomenon mirrors the spiritual truth that we are stronger together. Real growth often comes through enduring and healing from conflicts and wounds. In our spiritual lives, being part of a community that supports and nurtures each other, especially through difficult times, is essential for true strength and growth. [28:34]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 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: Think of a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did the support of your community help you through it? How can you be that support for someone else today?

Day 2: Generosity Reflects Our Hearts

Description: Generosity is an integral part of our worship and reflects where our hearts are. When we give, we not only support the church but also grow spiritually by aligning our hearts with God's kingdom principles. Giving as an act of worship is a tangible expression of our commitment to God's work. It is a way to demonstrate that our treasure is not in earthly possessions but in the eternal work of God's kingdom. By reintroducing the practice of giving, we are reminded that our generosity is a reflection of our spiritual health and priorities. [30:42]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Reflect on your current giving habits. Do they reflect your commitment to God's work? What steps can you take to align your generosity with your spiritual values?

Day 3: Deep Relationships Foster Spiritual Growth

Description: Surface-level interactions are insufficient for true spiritual growth. Just as the roots of redwood trees intertwine underground, our relationships must go beyond the surface. True spiritual growth happens when we are vulnerable and open with each other, sharing our struggles and supporting one another in meaningful ways. Developing deep, supportive relationships within the church involves being willing to share our lives, our joys, and our pains. It requires a commitment to being there for one another in times of need and celebrating together in times of joy. [53:20]

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: Think about your current relationships within the church. Are they surface-level or deep and meaningful? What steps can you take to deepen these relationships and foster true spiritual growth?

Day 4: Growth Through Conflict and Healing

Description: Real growth often comes through enduring and healing from conflicts. Just as trees fuse together through their wounds, we must be willing to stay and work through our differences, allowing God to use these experiences to strengthen our relationships. Conflict is an inevitable part of any community, but it is also an opportunity for growth and deeper connection. By facing conflicts head-on and seeking resolution and healing, we can build stronger, more resilient relationships that reflect the love and grace of Christ. [46:07]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent conflict you experienced. How did you handle it? What steps can you take to seek healing and reconciliation in that relationship?

Day 5: Inspiring and Nurturing Growth in Others

Description: We are called to inspire and nurture the spiritual growth of those around us. Just as redwood trees recycle nutrients to nourish new growth, we should invest in the spiritual growth of others through discipleship, mentorship, or simply being a reliable friend. By investing in others, we fulfill our role in the body of Christ and help build a stronger, more vibrant community. This involves being intentional about encouraging others, sharing our wisdom and experiences, and being a source of support and guidance. [57:23]

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: Think of someone in your life who could benefit from your support and encouragement. How can you invest in their spiritual growth today? What specific actions can you take to be a mentor or a reliable friend to them?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we celebrated the baptism of Emma Crosby, a fifth grader who recently gave her life to Jesus Christ. This joyous occasion reminds us of the transformative power of faith and the importance of community in our spiritual journey. We also reintroduced the practice of giving as an act of worship, emphasizing that generosity is a reflection of where our hearts are.

The core of today's message focused on the concept of community and the importance of being interconnected like trees in a forest. Using the analogy of trees, we explored how they grow stronger together through processes like inosculation, where trees fuse together through their wounds, and intertwining roots, which provide mutual support and nourishment. These natural phenomena illustrate the spiritual truth that we are stronger together and that real growth often comes through enduring and healing from conflicts and wounds.

We delved into the necessity of deep, meaningful relationships within the church. Surface-level interactions are insufficient for true spiritual growth. Just as trees intertwine their roots underground, we must go beyond superficial connections to develop deep, supportive relationships. This involves being vulnerable, sharing our struggles, and being there for one another in times of need.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of inspiring growth in others. Just as redwood trees recycle nutrients to nourish new growth, we should invest in the spiritual growth of those around us. This can be through discipleship, mentorship, or simply being a reliable friend who listens and prays.

In conclusion, we are called to be a community that supports, nurtures, and grows together. This requires commitment, vulnerability, and a willingness to endure and heal from conflicts. By doing so, we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds, fulfilling our role as the body of Christ.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Level Interactions**: Like the intertwining roots of redwood trees, our relationships must go beyond the surface. True spiritual growth happens when we are vulnerable and open with each other, sharing our struggles and supporting one another in meaningful ways. [53:20]
4. Enduring Through Conflict: Real growth often comes through enduring and healing from conflicts. Just as trees fuse together through their wounds, we must be willing to stay and work through our differences, allowing God to use these experiences to strengthen our relationships.

5. Inspiring Growth in Others: We are called to inspire and nurture the spiritual growth of those around us. This can be through discipleship, mentorship, or simply being a reliable friend. By investing in others, we fulfill our role in the body of Christ and help build a stronger, more vibrant community.

### [53:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:51] - Emma Crosby's Baptism
[28:34] - The Power of Community
[29:29] - Reintroducing Giving as Worship
[30:42] - Generosity and Worship
[31:42] - Reflecting on Generosity
[33:22] - Prayer and Commitment
[34:55] - Surrendering to God's Will
[35:59] - Lighthearted Moment
[36:40] - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
[37:22] - The Importance of Community
[38:19] - Finding Your Support System
[39:12] - Strength in Unity
[39:56] - Life in Community
[40:55] - Hebrews 10:24-25
[41:43] - Considering Others' Needs
[42:41] - Inosculation: Growing Through Wounds
[46:07] - Enduring Through Conflict
[48:23] - Iron Sharpens Iron
[49:40] - Commitment to Community
[50:38] - Colossians 3:12-14
[51:46] - Forgiveness and Unity
[52:34] - Intertwining Roots
[53:20] - Going Beyond Surface-Level Relationships
[55:10] - Accountability and Support
[56:21] - Inspiring Growth
[57:23] - Discipleship and Mentorship
[59:41] - Greater Love and Sacrifice
[60:20] - Commitment to Each Other
[62:09] - Growing Deeper Together
[62:44] - Encouraging One Another
[63:16] - Final Prayer and Worship
[64:29] - Responding to God's Call

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What analogy did the pastor use to describe the importance of community and interconnectedness? ([39:12])
How does the concept of inosculation relate to our relationships within the church? ([42:41])
What are the characteristics that Colossians 3:12-14 says we should clothe ourselves with? How do these characteristics help in building deep relationships?
According to Hebrews 10:24-25, what are we encouraged to do for one another as we see the Day approaching?

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important for our relationships to go beyond surface-level interactions, according to the sermon? ([53:20])
How can enduring and healing from conflicts strengthen our relationships, as illustrated by the concept of inosculation? ([46:07])
What does it mean to inspire growth in others, and how can this be practically applied in our church community? ([57:23])
How does the analogy of intertwining roots of redwood trees help us understand the necessity of deep, supportive relationships in the church? ([52:34])

Application Questions

Reflect on your current relationships within the church. Are they more surface-level or deep and meaningful? What steps can you take to deepen these relationships? ([53:20])
Think of a time when you experienced conflict within a relationship. How did you handle it? How might you handle it differently now, knowing that enduring through conflict can lead to stronger bonds? ([46:07])
In what ways can you be more generous with your time, resources, or talents as an act of worship? How does this align your heart with God's kingdom principles? ([30:42])
Identify someone in your church community who might need support or encouragement. What specific actions can you take this week to inspire their growth and show them that you care? ([57:23])
How can you be more intentional about spurring others on toward love and good deeds? What practical steps can you take to encourage and support your fellow believers? ([40:55])
Are there any past grievances or conflicts that you need to address and forgive? How can you take steps toward reconciliation and unity within your church community? ([50:38])
Consider the concept of intertwining roots. How can you build relationships that provide mutual support and nourishment? What specific actions can you take to ensure your roots are intertwined with those of your church family? ([52:34])

Sermon Clips

1. "We live our lives to try to get as much for us as we can get. And God, your kingdom says give it away. We try to get for us and your kingdom says serve others. This morning, we just want to be that and we want to do that with you. But God, we're thankful. We're thankful that we get to see Emma get baptized this morning as a testimony of her salvation. We're thankful that you got a crowd. A crowd of people here this morning that have just come to say, man, we're in, we want to know, we want to grow. We want to, we want to develop. We want to disciple. We want to be discipled." [28:34] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What Jesus teaches about giving is where your heart is, is where your treasure goes. And so we believe that you came here. You worked really hard out there to find a parking space and get in this building. Uh, it's pretty clear that you believe in what God's doing here. Uh, so we're going to bring our resources and talents and gifts to that as well. So you take a minute and pray through that. Maybe that's not you today. Maybe you just want to pray about where you serve and how you jump in and how you give and, and all the things, uh, but take just a minute and, and walk through that generosity concept with the father." [31:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. Most of you hear this verse in marriage ceremonies. It is not just a marriage ceremony verse. Two are better than one because because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. Anybody in the room reach the age that I have reached now that when you fall, you desperately need someone. To help you up." [36:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Too many of us come to church and we get all connected right here in the church and we do our thing and we leave and we don't have those people. All of us need a person that we can call at any time of the day and say, listen, I'm walking through this. I've been struggling with this. I need you to pray over the situation. You need a person that will stop what they're doing. pray for you right then. If you don't have that person yet, here's one thing we're going to say. We want to help you find that person." [38:19] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We are always stronger together than we are on our own. You know the blessings of that tree that's growing in the middle of the forest. The blessing is that they have trees around them to help support them and grow them. They're protected from the wind. That one tree that I have left in my front yard is protected from nothing. So it will one day probably fall over and my wife will be ticked off. But when a tree grows in the middle of a forest, it has the protection of its brothers and sisters." [39:12] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You can never intertwine roots with another person if you never go below the surface level in your relationship. Intertwining of roots happens underground. You will not intertwine your roots with other people if you never go deeper than, hey, how you doing? I'm fine. How you doing? I'm fine. Now, men, we have mastered this. We love the surface level. Here's our problem. You could see us growing as this big tree, and you could look at our roots, and all of our roots are right there on the ground because we don't want anything that grows any deeper than that." [53:20] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Now, I look at that as that redwood tree. That's literally what a redwood tree does. As I die, I am going to use everything else I have to nourish those around me, so that they can grow up in that cathedral form around me and grow brand new sprouts out of the nutrition that I am leaving behind. That is inspiring growth." [59:41] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We have to find ways to get past the issue, past the dysfunction, past the struggle, past the whatever. Because Scripture even teaches us that when you come in here, and you come to worship, and the Holy Spirit says to you, hey, so-and-so's got a problem with you, your job is to get up, go find that person, fix it, and then come back to worship. We have gotten way too comfortable leaving issues and struggles between each other. And not dealing with them. And when we do that, the enemy uses those things to tear us completely apart instead of bring us together." [51:46] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We have to commit today that we're willing to get with people and talk to people and listen to their stories so we can grow and develop together. Then we've got to figure out who we're inspiring. Who are we discipling? Who are we walking through this process of life with? Because we've got to get past that. Here's what it says again. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching." [01:02:44] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We live our lives to try to get as much for us as we can get. And God, your kingdom says give it away. We try to get for us and your kingdom says serve others. This morning, we just want to be that and we want to do that with you. But God, we're thankful. We're thankful that we get to see Emma get baptized this morning as a testimony of her salvation. We're thankful that you got a crowd. A crowd of people here this morning that have just come to say, man, we're in, we want to know, we want to grow. We want to, we want to develop. We want to disciple. We want to be discipled." [28:34] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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