Together in Community
Notes
Transcript
Together
INTRODUCTION
The Chosen- a series on Jesus’ earthly ministry with his disciples.
The Disciples should never have survived together
Fishermen
Tax Collector
Rich and poor
Mary Magdalene was with them often- had been possessed by demons.
How did they come together to start the greatest movement the world has ever known?
Supernatural
READ Philippians 2:1-2
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
PRAY
Don’t think of it as “if there is...” but “assuming there is...”
4 Blessings of Christian Community
Power
Power
“encouragment”= paraklesis= empowerment or encouragement
Holy Spirit= paraklete= helper, encourager, counselor
This was Jesus’ role on earth and he sends the Holy Spirit after his resurrection. This power is from Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
What are the examples of the use of Holy Spirit?
“full of the Holy Spirit”
Pentecost
Philip- before martyrdom- Powerful Preaching
Peter- Acts 4- defense of the Gospel
Understanding of the Gospel
so, Jesus is more than just a cheerleader in our life.
He affects our ability- he acts through us.
Comfort
Comfort
advise, encourage, console, comfort, support.
“from love”
Love your neighbor as your self.
ILL- Good Samaritan- Luke 10:29-37
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.
Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.
So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.
He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’
Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”
He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
doesn’t answer the question, “who is my neighbor?” It answers the question “how do you live as a neighbor?”
To love neighbor as yourself...
you love despite convenience
you love despite acceptance
you love despite race or social standing
You love despite cost
you love despite reputation
Fellowship
Fellowship
koinonia- communion/ community- close mutual relationships
Acts 2:42-47
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
The Spirit creates a supernatural community. = Body of Christ
Caring
Caring
Affection= feeling or emotion.- inward parts- guts-
If you care...
you care enough that the relationship affects you physically.
When someone rejoices, you rejoice.
When someone hurts, you hurt.
When you can’t be together you genuinely miss them and long to be with them.
Sympathy= comfort that helps reduce the pain.
people to help you go through the trials of life.
it makes it easier.
CONCLUSION
How do you join such an amazing community?
It’s not made up of perfect people but forgiven people.
Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:13
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Are you part of Christ’s community?