Building Resilient Lives and Communities on God's Word

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of building our lives and communities on a firm foundation rooted in the Word of God. We began by acknowledging the importance of a solid foundation, emphasizing that our lives should not be built on fleeting emotions, traditions, or experiences, but rather on the enduring truth of God's Word. This foundation is crucial as it shapes how we view ourselves, our lives, and our relationships.

We then delved into the concept of community and relationships, particularly in the context of college life and beyond. Drawing inspiration from the popular show "Community," we highlighted the difference between connections and true community. While connections can be easily broken, a community built on a strong foundation is resilient and enduring. We are called to examine the foundations of our relationships and ensure they are centered on God's Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

True community is a divine gift, designed to move us toward God's purpose for our lives. It requires us to be intentional about who we surround ourselves with, ensuring that our relationships are aligned with God's mission and destination for us. We were reminded that proximity does not equal community; genuine community involves doing life together, sharing burdens, and supporting one another.

We also discussed the characteristics of a healthy community, which include being supportive, cultivating authentic relationships, and serving one another in love. These relationships require vulnerability, humility, and a willingness to be inconvenienced for the sake of others. We are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's help in fostering these relationships, as they are essential for our spiritual growth and well-being.

As we navigate a world that grows darker, the need for godly community becomes even more critical. We are called to be intentional about building relationships that honor God and reflect His love. By doing so, we align ourselves with His plan and discover strength, protection, and wisdom in our journey.

**Key Takeaways:**

1. **Foundation in God's Word:** Our lives and relationships must be built on the firm foundation of God's Word, not on emotions, traditions, or experiences. This foundation shapes our identity and guides our interactions with others. [55:53]

2. **True Community vs. Connection:** Genuine community is built on a strong foundation and involves doing life together, sharing burdens, and supporting one another. Proximity alone does not create community. [01:00:48]

3. **Characteristics of a Healthy Community:** A healthy community is supportive, cultivates authentic relationships, and serves one another in love. These relationships require vulnerability, humility, and a willingness to be inconvenienced. [01:11:12]

4. **The Role of the Holy Spirit:** We need the Holy Spirit's help to foster authentic relationships and community. Godly relationships are essential for our spiritual growth and well-being. [01:23:20]

5. **Urgency of Godly Community:** As the world grows darker, the need for godly community becomes more critical. We are called to build relationships that honor God and reflect His love, aligning ourselves with His plan. [01:29:18]

**YouTube Chapters:**

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:35] - Introduction and Worship
- [12:05] - College Sunday and Special Music
- [12:56] - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Gifts
- [13:39] - Millie's Back: Embracing Your Calling
- [15:26] - Proclaiming God's Goodness
- [18:32] - Participatory Worship
- [44:10] - Pastor's Appreciation and Honoring Service
- [46:38] - National Faith and Blue Day
- [48:24] - Honoring Community Service
- [49:44] - Volunteers of the Month
- [52:58] - Visioneer of the Month
- [54:16] - Encouragement for Singles
- [55:53] - Home Improvement Series: Foundation
- [57:36] - Building Community and Relationships
- [01:00:48] - Connection vs. Foundation
- [01:02:30] - Godly Community and Relationships
- [01:03:54] - Importance of Like-minded Community
- [01:05:13] - Toxic Relationships and Boldness
- [01:06:36] - Recognizing Toxicity
- [01:08:03] - Signs of Toxic Community
- [01:09:39] - Spiritually and Emotionally Draining Relationships
- [01:11:12] - Characteristics of a Healthy Circle
- [01:12:43] - Cultivating Authentic Relationships
- [01:14:15] - Vulnerability and Openness
- [01:15:46] - The Importance of Community for Men
- [01:17:09] - Carrying One Another's Burdens
- [01:18:33] - Trusting God-ordained Relationships
- [01:20:13] - Biblical Love and Sacrifice
- [01:21:40] - Serving One Another in Love
- [01:23:20] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Community
- [01:24:50] - Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself
- [01:26:32] - Responsibility in Relationships
- [01:27:43] - Authentic Relationships and Community
- [01:29:18] - Urgency of Godly Community
- [01:31:00] - Challenge: Pray and Engage
- [01:34:03] - Generosity and Impact in Zambia
- [01:36:32] - Prayer for Generosity and Giving
- [01:41:28] - Invitation to Relationship with Jesus
- [01:43:04] - Altar Call and Closing Remarks
- [01:44:36] - College Sunday Celebration and Farewell

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
1. Hebrews 10:24-25
2. Galatians 6:2
3. Amos 3:3

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**Observation Questions:**

1. According to the sermon, what is the difference between a connection and a true community? How does this relate to the foundation of relationships? [01:00:48]

2. What are some characteristics of a healthy community as described in the sermon? [01:11:12]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in fostering authentic relationships and community? [01:23:20]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the urgency of building godly community in today's world? [01:29:18]

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**Interpretation Questions:**

1. How does Hebrews 10:24-25 encourage believers to engage with one another, and why is this important as the day of the Lord approaches? [01:03:54]

2. In what ways does Galatians 6:2 illustrate the concept of carrying one another's burdens, and how does this fulfill the law of Christ? [01:17:09]

3. How does the sermon interpret Amos 3:3 in the context of building relationships and community? What does it mean for two to walk together in agreement? [01:03:54]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the impact of toxic relationships on one's spiritual and emotional well-being? [01:06:36]

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**Application Questions:**

1. Reflect on your current relationships. Are they built on a firm foundation of God's Word, or are they merely connections? How can you strengthen the foundation of these relationships? [01:00:48]

2. Consider a time when you felt spiritually or emotionally drained by a relationship. How did you handle it, and what steps can you take to ensure your relationships are uplifting and encouraging? [01:09:39]

3. How can you be more intentional about surrounding yourself with a community that aligns with God's mission and purpose for your life? What changes might you need to make? [01:02:30]

4. In what ways can you cultivate vulnerability and humility in your relationships to foster authentic community? What specific actions can you take this week to practice these traits? [01:12:43]

5. How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in building and maintaining godly relationships? What role does prayer play in this process? [01:23:20]

6. Identify one relationship in your life that may not align with God's Word. What steps can you take to address this, and how can you seek God's wisdom in making necessary changes? [01:06:36]

7. As the world grows darker, how can you contribute to building a godly community that reflects God's love and aligns with His plan? What specific actions can you take to be a light in your community? [01:29:18]

Day 1: Building on the Enduring Truth of God's Word
Our lives and relationships must be anchored in the enduring truth of God's Word, rather than being swayed by emotions, traditions, or experiences. This foundation is essential as it shapes our identity and guides our interactions with others. When we build on this firm foundation, we gain clarity and direction in our lives, allowing us to navigate challenges with confidence and purpose. God's Word provides a stable and unchanging basis for our beliefs and actions, ensuring that we remain grounded even in the face of life's uncertainties. [55:53]

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life needs to be more firmly rooted in God's Word today, and how can you take a step to strengthen that foundation?


Day 2: Distinguishing True Community from Mere Connections
In a world where connections are easily made and broken, true community stands out as something deeper and more resilient. Genuine community is built on a strong foundation and involves doing life together, sharing burdens, and supporting one another. Proximity alone does not create community; it requires intentionality and commitment. As we examine the foundations of our relationships, we must ensure they are centered on God's Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This kind of community is a divine gift, designed to move us toward God's purpose for our lives. [01:00:48]

"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: Who in your life do you need to invest more time and effort into to transform a mere connection into a true community relationship?


Day 3: Characteristics of a Healthy Community
A healthy community is characterized by support, authentic relationships, and serving one another in love. These relationships require vulnerability, humility, and a willingness to be inconvenienced for the sake of others. In such a community, individuals are encouraged to be open and honest, sharing their struggles and joys with one another. This environment fosters spiritual growth and well-being, as members are able to lean on each other and grow together in their faith. Seeking the Holy Spirit's help is crucial in fostering these relationships, as they are essential for our spiritual journey. [01:11:12]

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

Reflection: What is one way you can serve someone in your community today, even if it requires you to step out of your comfort zone?


Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Fostering Community
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in helping us foster authentic relationships and community. Godly relationships are essential for our spiritual growth and well-being, and we need the Holy Spirit's guidance to navigate the complexities of human interactions. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate relationships that are rooted in love, grace, and truth. These relationships not only support us in our personal faith journey but also reflect God's love to the world around us. As we seek the Holy Spirit's help, we align ourselves with God's mission and purpose for our lives. [01:23:20]

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit into your relationships today to help you cultivate deeper and more meaningful connections?


Day 5: The Urgency of Building Godly Community
As the world grows darker, the need for godly community becomes more critical. We are called to be intentional about building relationships that honor God and reflect His love. By doing so, we align ourselves with His plan and discover strength, protection, and wisdom in our journey. Godly community provides a safe haven where we can grow in our faith, support one another, and stand firm against the challenges of the world. It is through these relationships that we can experience the fullness of God's love and purpose for our lives. [01:29:18]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to be more intentional about building and nurturing godly community in your life?

1. "Sometimes we got to do things and we got to do them even though you're facing fear. Okay? You got to press through. You got to defeat the lies of the enemy that's telling you why you shouldn't do it and why it's not going to be good and it doesn't make sense. And so, for me, standing here, even as this first song goes, this first song is called Perfect Timing, but everybody calls it Millie's Back because we say that in the song. And the reason is this is not just for me, but for whatever it is in your life that God has given you. Do not allow the enemy to lie to you and tell you to put that gift down that he's given you." [13:39] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


2. "Our relationships, our community has to be centered and empowered by the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Our relationship, our community, our relationship has to be centered and empowered by the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Our relationship, our relationship has to be centered and empowered by the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Has to be. It has to be. Godly relationships. Godly community. This is what we should be striving for. This is what we should be pushing toward. This is what we should be Pepsi. community and true relationship is a gift from God." [01:00:48] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


3. "Proximity doesn't equal community. Proximity does not equal community. Some of us will be like, oh, that's my bestie. No, you just have a class together. We're best friends forever. Nah, maybe a year, maybe a couple months, do you get tired of them? Proximity does not equal community. Community is doing life together. Community is sharing life together, being with one another. That is what community is. Godly relationships and godly community is designed to move us, and it is designed to assist us in getting to the destination and the plan that God has for your life." [01:02:30] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


4. "When we find ourselves in relationships, in community, and in friendships that aren't aligned with the word of God, we have to be bold. We have to be willing to remove ourselves from those toxic relationships and that toxic community that we are a part of. Why? So that you can be healed, and that you can be free, and that you can be all of who God called you to be. It's going to require your boldness. It's going to require your willingness, and I already hear you. But I don't want to be alone. I don't want to be by myself. Don't forget that God loves you. God loves you. He is not going to have you out here by yourself." [01:06:36] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


5. "Effective and good community and relationship are two people who are constantly pouring into one another, lifting one another up, encouraging one another, that's what that is. And if it's always taking, then that's something that you need to remove yourself from because it is toxic. Okay, so what does it look like? What does it look like when like-minded people who have the same foundation and the same destination and mission get together? What does it look like when you have a healthy circle? What does it look like when you have a healthy circle? The first thing it looks like is it looks like, supportive community, okay?" [01:11:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


6. "In order to be in authentic relationship, in order to be in authentic community, you need the Holy Spirit's help. You need God's help. Because sometimes you don't feel like doing it. You don't feel like serving someone. You don't feel like getting up, and we done had the same conversation 50 times, I'm not doing it. When the call ID come up, you're like, nope, mm-mm, mm-mm. I already know what it is. I'm not doing it. I'm not doing it. I'm not doing it. I'm not doing it. it is, and I already know my response. I should just play back the last conversation. No, it says it requires you to be willing, and we need the Holy Spirit's help in doing that. Why? Because God commands us to." [01:23:20] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


7. "The idea of community and relationship comes from God. God is a community calling us to be people of community. We are built and created for community and relationship. And when we engage in these God-giving constructs, when we engage in these things, we are able to truly be a brother or a sister in Christ. We look at David and Jonathan. We look at Ruth and Naomi. We look at Paul and Timothy. We look at Jesus and his disciples. All through the scriptures, we see amazing things happening to people who are in relationship. To people who are in community." [01:27:43] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)