United in Faith: The Power of Community

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Spiritual Companionship

In Acts 13, we see the Holy Spirit setting apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific mission, highlighting the importance of community in fulfilling God's work. This divine appointment underscores that God never intended for us to walk alone in our spiritual journey. Just as the speaker realized the impossibility of farming alone, we too must recognize that our spiritual journey and ministry require the support and collaboration of others. Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 reminds us that two are better than one, for they can help each other succeed. This principle is woven throughout Scripture, where God consistently unites individuals to accomplish His purposes. From Moses and Aaron to Paul and Barnabas, and even Jesus with His disciples, the Bible is replete with examples of partnership in ministry. [33:58]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (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: Who in your life can you partner with in your spiritual journey? How can you intentionally support and encourage each other this week?

Day 2: Unity as a Testimony

In a world that often glorifies individuality and self-reliance, the call to unity and collaboration is counter-cultural. Yet, it is precisely through our unity that we can effectively proclaim the gospel and bring hope to a world in need. The biblical call to unity is not for personal gain but to lift up the name of Jesus and work for His kingdom. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world, showing that we are different because of our love and support for one another. [39:26]

John 17:20-21 (ESV): "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

Reflection: How can you demonstrate unity in your community this week? What specific actions can you take to foster a spirit of collaboration and love among those around you?

Day 3: The Strength in Togetherness

The devil seeks to isolate believers, knowing that alone we are vulnerable to his attacks. Scripture warns us of this danger, emphasizing the strength found in community. Together, we can withstand the enemy's schemes and remain steadfast in our faith. The narrative of Saul and Barnabas reminds us that God calls us into community, not only for our growth but to be effective ambassadors for Christ. [44:44]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel isolated? How can you reach out to others for support and accountability in your spiritual journey?

Day 4: Living as Ambassadors for Christ

Every believer is called to be an ambassador for Christ, sharing the gospel through words and deeds. This calling is not limited to pastors or missionaries but extends to all Christians. Our lives should reflect Jesus, pointing others to Him in all we do. As ambassadors, we are tasked with representing Christ's love and truth in our daily interactions, making His message known to those around us. [37:52]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: How can you be an ambassador for Christ in your workplace or community today? What specific actions or words can you use to reflect Jesus to those around you?

Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers us as a community to fulfill God's mission. When we come together, the Spirit unites and strengthens us, enabling us to reach the lost and bring hope to a broken world. Our collective efforts are more fruitful than individual endeavors, as the Spirit works through us to accomplish God's purposes. This empowerment is a reminder that we are not alone in our mission, but are supported and guided by the Spirit. [50:00]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: In what ways do you feel the Holy Spirit empowering you in your life? How can you rely more on the Spirit's guidance and strength in your daily walk with God?

Sermon Summary

In today's exploration of Acts 13, we delve into the transformative journey of Saul to Paul, emphasizing the importance of community and partnership in fulfilling God's mission. The passage from Acts highlights the calling of Barnabas and Saul by the Holy Spirit, setting them apart for a specific mission. This divine appointment underscores the necessity of working together in ministry, as God never intended for us to walk alone. The narrative of my personal farming experience serves as a poignant metaphor for this truth. Just as I realized the impossibility of farming alone, we too must recognize that our spiritual journey and ministry require the support and collaboration of others.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 reminds us that two are better than one, for they can help each other succeed. This principle is woven throughout Scripture, where God consistently unites individuals to accomplish His purposes. From Moses and Aaron to Paul and Barnabas, and even Jesus with His disciples, the Bible is replete with examples of partnership in ministry. This is not merely a practical strategy but a reflection of God's design for humanity. We were created for community, to support, love, and work alongside one another.

In a world that often glorifies individuality and self-reliance, the call to unity and collaboration is counter-cultural. Yet, it is precisely through our unity that we can effectively proclaim the gospel and bring hope to a world in need. The devil seeks to isolate us, knowing that alone we are vulnerable. But together, as a body of believers, we are strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out God's mission.

As we reflect on our own faith journeys, we must ask ourselves if we are attempting to go it alone. God calls us into community, not only for our growth but to be effective ambassadors for Christ. The harvest is plentiful, and we are called to labor together, united in purpose and empowered by the Spirit, to bring the message of salvation to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Cultural Unity:** In a society that values individuality, the biblical call to unity is counter-cultural. Our mission as Christians is to come together, not for personal gain, but to lift up the name of Jesus and work for His kingdom. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world. [39:26]
3. The Danger of Isolation: The devil seeks to isolate believers, knowing that alone we are vulnerable to his attacks. Scripture warns us of this danger, emphasizing the strength found in community. Together, we can withstand the enemy's schemes and remain steadfast in our faith.

4. Ambassadors for Christ: Every believer is called to be an ambassador for Christ, sharing the gospel through words and deeds. This calling is not limited to pastors or missionaries but extends to all Christians. Our lives should reflect Jesus, pointing others to Him in all we do.

5. Empowered by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us as a community to fulfill God's mission. When we come together, the Spirit unites and strengthens us, enabling us to reach the lost and bring hope to a broken world. Our collective efforts are more fruitful than individual endeavors.

** [39:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:15] - Introduction to Acts 13
[29:49] - Prayer for Guidance
[30:51] - Personal Farming Story
[32:51] - Realization of Needing Help
[33:58] - Ecclesiastes and Community
[35:20] - Called to Share the Gospel
[37:52] - Ambassadors for Christ
[39:26] - Counter-Cultural Unity
[42:28] - Jesus' Model of Partnership
[44:44] - The Danger of Isolation
[46:48] - Faith is Not Private
[48:23] - Growing Together in Faith
[50:00] - Empowered by the Spirit
[52:53] - Call to Action and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific mission were Barnabas and Saul set apart for by the Holy Spirit in Acts 13:1-3? How did the church at Antioch respond to this calling? [29:15]
In the pastor's personal story, what realization did he come to about farming alone, and how does this relate to the necessity of community in ministry? [32:51]
According to Ecclesiastes 4:9-11, what are the benefits of having a partner or community in one's endeavors?
How does the sermon describe the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ, and what does this imply about individual versus collective ministry? [37:52]

Interpretation Questions

How does the calling of Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13 illustrate the importance of community in fulfilling God's mission? What might this suggest about the role of the church today? [29:15]
The pastor shared a personal story about the challenges of farming alone. How does this story serve as a metaphor for the spiritual journey and ministry? What deeper truths about community does it reveal? [32:51]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the biblical call to unity is counter-cultural? How might this challenge modern societal values? [39:26]
How does the concept of being "ambassadors for Christ" expand the understanding of who is responsible for sharing the gospel? What implications does this have for every believer? [37:52]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you are attempting to "go it alone"? How can you invite others into your journey for support and collaboration? [46:48]
The sermon emphasizes the danger of isolation. What steps can you take to ensure you are not isolated in your faith? How can you actively seek out community? [44:44]
Consider the idea of being an ambassador for Christ. What specific actions can you take this week to represent Christ in your words and deeds? [37:52]
In what ways can you contribute to fostering unity within your church or small group? How can you encourage others to work together for the kingdom of God? [39:26]
The pastor mentioned the importance of being empowered by the Spirit as a community. How can you be more open to the Spirit's guidance in your communal efforts? [50:00]
Think about a time when you felt vulnerable in your faith. How did community play a role in strengthening you during that time? How can you offer similar support to others now? [44:44]
Identify one person in your life who might be feeling isolated. What practical steps can you take to reach out and include them in your faith community? [46:48]

Sermon Clips

1) "I realized in that moment I just couldn't farm alone. I couldn't do it. There was too much to process. I needed someone to help make decisions. And bounce ideas off of. I needed someone else there when the work got hard or when things didn't go right. I needed someone there to help me. I needed someone on so many levels, physically, emotionally, even spiritually. And if I was going to have anything worth harvesting, I just needed help. And I sat in the dark, the tractor idling, literally bouncing on this huge toolbar, swinging a sledgehammer, yelling at the top of my voice, crying in the night, and I realized, I just couldn't work alone." [32:51] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "We were actually meant for community, for fellowship and partnership, for friendships. We were created for each other to help and support and care for and love, to work together. We were not meant to go it alone in any phase, in any aspect of life. Amen? This isn't just a good idea. It's how God established the created order. He put us into families with parents and surrounded us in community. And today we discover that it's also how God accomplishes his mission and ministry of proclaiming the gospel to the world." [34:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "All of us, each and every follower of Jesus is called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Colossians chapter 3, verses 15 to 17, Colossians 3, 15 to 17, Paul says let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in one body and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching, admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." [35:20] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "God works against the culture by uniting people not separating them out uniting them into a task that's beyond them a work greater than any earthly accomplishment or any selfish gain we come together to proclaim salvation through jesus christ to offer forgiveness and true everlasting life that can only be found in the gospel and we see god uniting us into a body one body for his sake his name his work his kingdom in him amen that's kind of weak actually thank you you see what we see in acts chapter 13 i only read three verses we see the holy spirit connecting paul and barnabas and he could have doubled his effort send them both out send everybody out individually doesn't do that and this isn't an isolated incident placing people together to accomplish his plans is what god does it is all over the scriptures" [40:56] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Jesus knew that when we're isolated we were vulnerable to the attacks of the devil and to his tricky words and lies in first peter chapter five eight kind of a famous piece of scripture you might remember it peter says your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour who's easier to devour? somebody with others around him or somebody alone you know like i say when you're isolated in faith it's like shooting fish in a barrel you are easy pickings now this goes back to the ecclesiastes verse right though one may prevail against one alone two will certainly withstand a three-fold cord isn't quickly broken you see god counters the devil's lies and manipulations by placing us in the living word and by connecting us with the living word us to the people of the word this is alive amen and we are the body of christ we're part of the body sent by the holy spirit into the broken world" [45:19] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "How's your faith walk going how's your ministry each of you are you going it alone maybe i can ask folks online too today huh is it just you or the you and the bible and that's it do you say to yourself i'm good i don't really need to let others in because after all my faith is a private thing well i hate to break the news to you faith is not a private thing it's not a private matter it is personal jesus knows each of us personally and can speak into the personal needs and brokenness of our lives can gift us with has gifted us with personal gifts each of you so in that sense it's personal faith but make no mistake not private we're called to live out our faith in bold public ways we are to be boldly public with forgiveness with the love of jesus christ to lift up those who are being crushed by the world to do battle with the forces of evil that are attacking our friends and our neighbors to pray fervently and often and we do all of this in a body alongside fellow believers because we can't do it alone amen" [46:48] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "After struggling and farming alone for a couple of years god literally brought jerry matzner into my life which is a total god thing that happened at a vbs and i didn't know him at all sometime i'll tell you the story it's hilarious my wife punched me on the shoulder when we got back in the car because i asked him to farm with me she's like you don't even know him and jerry got in the car and said his wife do you think he was serious then brought sean then then god brought sean lazinski and then kyle verdos and his brother and then kate lizinski and now zach master is helping to carry out this workload and we labor together for a bountiful harvest farming is challenging and it is hard but it is so much more rewarding and we are so much more productive and effective by all coming together for a common purpose and goal church the harvest is plentiful the fields are ripe and i'm praying earnestly that the lord of the harvest will send us out as laborers into the harvest, united. United and encouraged and empowered by the Spirit. I pray that our words and our deeds will draw others to Jesus. For that's God's plan." [51:44] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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