Necessity of Community.

Steve Gentry

[0:00] Welcome to the village my name is Steve if this is your first time here, I just want to welcome you [0:04] I’m one of the pastors here [0:07] That video basically is the way I want to start off this series mostly because it got you to laugh [0:13] secondly because I think it kind of [0:17] shows one of the desires that we kind of have because whenever you go into a [0:23] Church one of the biggest things that they attempt to do and if you’ve been here for any period of time

[0:29] Week in and week out we tell you that if you want to be a part of the village if you want to grow in [0:35] the life of the village the way to do that is to join and be a part of one of our community groups and [0:42] So I thought in order to make it even more uncomfortable and more annoying. I would just do a whole series on it [0:50] So basically for the next four weeks what we’re gonna be doing is talking about community groups [0:55] We’re gonna unpack why we believe as a church [0:59] They’re so important to us and why really apart from community with other

[1:05] believers, especially in the context or in the [1:09] Confines of a local church that you are committed to there really is no way [1:14] To gauge the growth of the grace of God in your life [1:19] Because it is simply what God designed us to be and what God has redeemed us for [1:25] And really what his plan for taking the gospel to the world will happen through [1:32] God has not left us in this great dark place of mystery as

[1:38] To what he’s designed us for and how the gospel is going to go out into the world rather. He has unfolded in the scriptures [1:46] Specifically what he desires for his people to be all about and so when you hear us week in and week out telling you this [1:54] It’s not because we have this great desire to start these clubs and start these little [2:00] Organizations and start these groups for our benefit [2:04] Most of us left to our own devices would avoid that kind of thing altogether [2:09] We might go to the shallow small group because they won’t actually be a part of our lives

[2:15] But here at the village what we want to do is what God has designed in scripture for us to grow in the grace of God [2:22] And the way that this starts is just simply an understanding how God is in his infinite nature to begin with [2:30] God himself [2:32] does not exist [2:34] outside of the context of [2:37] Relationship or the word you’ll typically hear me use is the term community

[2:42] He does not exist outside of that [2:45] There is no individualism in the nature of God [2:50] God is a triune God God the Father God the Son God the Holy Spirit [2:55] Perfect in unity so perfect that the way he’s described in scripture [3:00] Especially in the book of Deuteronomy which will reference a little bit later though is that he is one [3:05] God as Israel proclaims in chapter 6 he says the Lord our God is one

[3:12] But then throughout scripture as we see more and more of the nature of God [3:17] Unveiled from Genesis through Revelation we see him in Genesis say let us [3:23] Make man in our image in the book of Psalms we see [3:27] God the Father speaking to God the Son that he will exalt him above all nations in chapter 2 says I will make the world [3:34] your footstool there’s a [3:37] Conversation taking place within the Trinity then we see the Trinity perfectly through the person of Jesus Christ as we see

[3:45] Especially in his baptism as God the Son [3:48] Ascends up out of the water we see the dove which is the Holy Spirit come down from heaven [3:52] Onto him and then we see God the Father say this is my son in whom I am well pleased [3:59] And in scripture we have this concept that is so hard for us to understand that God is three persons in one [4:08] being [4:08] So connected he’s so united in his essence that he is one you cannot separate them

[4:17] So much so that when God if you ever hear me do a wedding [4:21] I do I’d say this in every single wedding because it is so true that [4:26] God when he created man he sees Adam and he says first time he says about anything that he’s made he says it’s not good [4:34] He says it in the context of it’s not good for man to be alone [4:39] Do you see man is created? [4:42] Differently than the rest of creation there’s something special about me and God

[4:45] breathes his own life into man and when he looks at man [4:49] He says it’s not good that he be alone because man was created to reflect the image of God [4:55] Onto all of creation and as an individual by yourself you are not [5:02] Perfectly reflecting the image of God to the rest of creation rather God out of Adam [5:09] This beautiful picture of out of his very side out of his very essence [5:15] Just similar language used about Jesus in John chapter 1 you see

[5:20] Eve come out of Adam and God makes Eve and then he looks and says you too will be [5:28] one [5:30] It is only in the context of relationship [5:36] That man can reflect the image of God and then God says it’s good [5:44] Because now it’s more like me in [5:47] Marriage when it’s explained throughout scripture. What do we see we see these two shall become one flesh

[5:56] And the unity candle when you get married what do you do you connect them and then you blow out your individual candle [6:02] And now there’s just one flame [6:05] What we see throughout scripture [6:08] This constant metaphor of unity this constant metaphor of oneness [6:15] this constant metaphor that God desires for his people to bring him glory in the context of

[6:24] Community [6:25] together [6:27] Which is why in the New Testament when Jesus comes to redeem man out of his sin [6:33] Which if you look at the story of Adam and Eve quickly when Adam and Eve sin what happens? [6:39] Immediately there’s a breakdown in relationship first with God then with each other [6:44] You never see before Adam saying woman. This is your fault or Eve saying man

[6:49] This is your fault, but as soon as sin enters the picture, what do you see you see blame you see separation you see isolation [6:58] from God from others so in [7:02] Redemption when Jesus comes and pays the penalty for our sins [7:06] We are and we talked about this over the past few weeks. We are [7:11] reconciled with God through Jesus we are [7:16] Reconnected with God

[7:19] And we glory in that typically for those of us that believe that’s amazing that’s astounding it’s beautiful [7:29] But then [7:32] There’s another aspect of it [7:34] And that is that man through this reconciliation with Jesus [7:40] Can begin to live and grow in life as you and I were created to do [7:47] So it happens and that we for reconciled with God

[7:50] Then everything else begins to come together and we’ll reconcile with each other [7:56] not perfectly [7:58] Because that’s not gonna happen until the kingdom of God until the return of Jesus [8:02] But what God does is is as soon as we are redeemed by him as soon as we come into [8:09] Relationship with him. He says things like love one another [8:14] Be kind to one another tender-hearted

[8:18] forgiving one another [8:20] says things like out do one another in showing honor [8:25] Those of you that are stronger in the faith [8:29] Help those that are weaker in the faith those of you that are older in the faith [8:35] Teach those that are younger in the faith [8:40] You see this constant

[8:42] Attitude of [8:44] Togetherness to describe the lives of the people of God coming together [8:50] To bring glory and worship to God [8:54] But let’s be honest it can be quite a hassle [9:00] Me I grew up in a family we all live together I had a sister she’s here and she got on my nerves [9:10] I’ve been married for six years yesterday was our anniversary

[9:14] Man, I get on her nerves [9:17] I’ll never admit to her getting on my nerves because that’s dangerous, but I know that I get on her nerves

[9:24] There’s something that just after a while in relationships with anyone there comes conflict [9:33] There comes irritation [9:35] There comes an annoyance we talked about in the past few weeks, that’s that thing called sin [9:43] It’s that force that we have to keep struggling through that Paul really unpacked so well in Romans chapter 7 that even though [9:51] We’re redeemed in Jesus [9:52] There’s this temptation to continue to live the old life and to struggle with the same

[9:58] Temptations and that sin is this force that will continue to tempt us and make us struggle until we [10:06] Experience the full restoration of the kingdom of God in glory after the return of Jesus

[10:12] So in the context of a church [10:15] There can be this temptation [10:20] to avoid [10:21] Each other because you see this is one thing right we come together in a church service [10:28] You’re part of a church, and you’re looking at me, and I’m up on the stage, but guess what you’re not doing [10:33] You’re not looking at each other

[10:35] Nobody’s really talking to you personally you can pretend that this message is meant for the person next to you rather than you [10:42] And everything’s okay because you’re just a nameless face in a crowd [10:46] What I want to talk about today. I want to talk about for the next few weeks [10:50] Is this idea that God has a big plan for his people? [10:55] He wants to do things bigger than any of us could ever hope and dream [11:01] But he wants to do it through very small ways

[11:07] That any time in the scriptures you see God do a mighty move in great vast numbers [11:13] And I believe that’s what he wants to do here [11:15] But anytime you see it in scripture he immediately then begins to take it smaller and smaller that growth [11:23] only happens [11:25] When you get small [11:27] Because well, that’s why we titled it small is big. I mean it just kind of makes sense it goes together

[11:33] So just go with that all right turn to Acts chapter 2 started reading in verse 41

[11:39] The first thing I want us to know before I even begin to read is that [11:43] What we’re gonna see here is a mighty move of the gospel [11:46] We’re gonna see a mighty work of the gospel in Acts chapter 2 all right [11:50] But what happens is is that in Acts chapter 2 the gospel creates a community around itself [11:57] All right God through the gospel is going to create for himself a people and then out of those people [12:03] He brings them together, and they form a community around the gospel

[12:07] Okay, so start reading in Acts chapter 2 verse 41. That was point one by the way

[12:14] So those who received his word were baptized all right [12:19] What has happened here is Peter on the day of Pentecost when God when Jesus ascended up into heaven in Matthew chapter 28 [12:25] And then very early on in Acts chapter 1 what happens is he tells him he says go into [12:31] Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit [12:33] So there was about 120 people that went to Jerusalem who had seen Jesus send up into heaven and they wait in the upper room [12:39] Where the Last Supper had taken place, and they wait and then on the day of Pentecost which is

[12:46] It’s happening right now the Holy Spirit descends on them [12:49] And then Peter goes out into the crowds which Pentecost was this great feast in Jerusalem where people from all over the world come [12:56] And they gather for the feast of Pentecost and this is a huge thing going on in Jerusalem [13:00] And Peter goes in front of a great crowd, and he preaches the gospel [13:03] He preaches the death burial resurrection or redemption through Jesus as their Lord [13:07] And then what happens is is that they come to Jesus they’re baptized and then it says and there were added that day about

[13:14] 3000 souls so this is day one of the Church of Jesus Christ really in the context of actually seeing it happen [13:22] And we see [13:24] 3000 people come to faith in Jesus. That’s amazing. That was a huge move of God

[13:33] So immediately [13:34] Those 3000 just go out and do the exact same thing and just stand in front of great crowds [13:40] And they preach and then another 3000 and another 3000 no that’s not at all what happens

[13:47] So because now you have the Church of Jesus Christ starting and [13:54] So what we’re gonna see these 3,000 people do with their faith [13:58] Immediately is very important for us now what you have to understand when you’re reading through the book of Acts is you are not [14:05] reading a [14:06] Description or a checklist for what to do with your life you’re reading a book of history [14:13] You’re reading a description of what took place in the early church

[14:19] So God is through Luke [14:22] Describing to us the events and the postures that the early church took [14:29] To growing in the faith to obeying Matthew chapter 28 where Jesus says go [14:34] Make disciples of all nations you’re seeing a description of what took place and what they did [14:40] So when I read through this today, I don’t want you to read it through the lens and with the attitude [14:45] Okay, I’m gonna make a checklist and make sure I’m all about these things that every day

[14:51] I’m practicing these things [14:52] This is a checklist for my spiritual growth because you can commit yourself [14:58] To all of the things that the early church committed themselves to and you cannot grow at all [15:04] It can happen

[15:07] What I want us to know this morning is not so much the things but the attitudes behind the things

[15:18] What’s the passion it’s bringing these people to do something that they’ve probably never done before [15:24] Because this is a life changer remember you’re talking to a group of three thousand Jews [15:29] All right, these are people who were very faithful in their religious practices and the gospel turns all of that on its head and they [15:37] immediately change [15:39] Everything that they’re doing with their faith [15:42] here’s what happens we can axe chapter 2 verse 42 and

[15:46] They this is speaking of those three thousand plus the hundred and twenty people who are already [15:52] In the upper room received the Holy Spirit. They [15:56] Devoted themselves [15:58] Okay, this speaks of this deep seated passion that’s taking place in them the deep seated [16:06] Transformation that has taken place in their faith in Jesus [16:10] They devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and the fellowship and the breaking of bread and the prayers

[16:18] What you see very early on is that immediately this [16:24] Transforms what they do and how they do it and throughout the rest of the book of Acts [16:29] Which I know you want me to do a whole sermon on the whole book of Acts and be here all day [16:33] But I’ll just sum it up for you really quick in this sermon throughout the rest of the book of Acts [16:39] You’re going to see what happens while they are committing themselves with this deep seated devotion to these things [16:48] and this passion starts a

[16:51] Revolution that sweeps through the whole world at that point and the message of the gospel will change [16:59] entire [17:00] economic systems of cities if you read in the book of Acts about the book of Ephesus it changed even their economy [17:09] Because the gospel was so deep rooted in these people [17:13] So what the gospel does is it immediately takes these? [17:16] 3000 people and it changes their lives gives them something in common and then

[17:21] transforms their lifestyle and practices to where the devotions that they once had have now been [17:28] transferred to a deep devotion to the gospel of Jesus and [17:34] So what they want to do is they want to learn more about it [17:40] So they devote themselves to the Apostles teachings because who had been with Jesus

[17:48] the Apostles [17:49] So who will they go to to learn about Jesus the Apostles? [17:53] Who must we go to to learn about Jesus the Apostles who’ve given us the New Testament? [17:59] They devote themselves to it because these are people that have the backgrounds of the Old Testament. You are faithful Jews [18:05] But they know that the picture is becoming wider now that God is revealing more of himself. He does it through Jesus and they want to learn [18:13] The Apostles teaching but then to fellowship

[18:18] That’s a very interesting word because if we use it in all sorts of ways we have tons of different fellowships you can go into [18:25] College and be a part of a fellowship in a college [18:28] I mean you can go to Apollo dinner and that’s fellowship. You can be at a place talking to no one yet [18:34] You’re at a fellowship. I mean the word fellowship has kind of been watered down [18:39] But here the word fellowship is this word in the Greek coin O’Neill which is translated properly for fellowship [18:44] But the context of this type of fellowship is not just you get together and you’re just hanging out with a whole group of people

[18:51] No, it’s this context of [18:54] participation in each other’s lives [18:56] So when Jesus left and he said make disciples [19:01] That’s what’s happening in fellowship [19:03] But the only way for that type of participation to take place is to know as well as be known by each other [19:12] So they’re participating in each other’s lives

[19:16] So the shallowness that we tend to take into the relationships in the context of the local church [19:23] I breaks down in the face of Scripture and you say why because this community that is [19:30] Created around the gospel for the gospel is [19:36] An obedience to what God’s plan was all along [19:39] I said we refer to the book of Deuteronomy in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 5 [19:44] We’re gonna see some words that we may be used to Jesus saying but Moses pens it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit

[19:50] He says you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your might [19:56] So here we have part of the great commandment that we see [19:59] That we’re to love God and we say yes, that’s what the gospel does the gospel connects me to God [20:03] But what does Jesus say when he? [20:07] Says it he’s just referencing the book of Deuteronomy in the book of Luke chapter 10 Jesus just restates this verse [20:14] He says and he answered talking to the people

[20:17] He says you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul with all your strength with all your mind

[20:24] and [20:25] your neighbor as [20:27] yourself [20:29] It’s a very interesting thing that Jesus says he seems to add to what the book of Deuteronomy says [20:34] But he’s really adding anything to the law because they asked Jesus was the greatest law [20:39] He says love God and the second written

[20:42] Excuse me in the book of Matthew actually says this way he says and the second is like it love your neighbor as yourself [20:46] So is Jesus adding something that wasn’t really there. No consider the ten commandments [20:51] The first four commandments involve your relationship with God [20:55] All right, but the last six, you know that hold don’t lie don’t murder don’t covet don’t commit adultery [21:02] What do they have to do with? [21:04] our relationships with each other

[21:08] So what Jesus is doing is he summarizing the entire law in saying the whole law? [21:14] shows that we must love God and love man and [21:18] That’s what Jesus is iterating right here. He’s saying [21:22] You cannot love God and

[21:26] not love man [21:28] Because here’s what we see in the gospel. We see God’s great love for people [21:34] Do we not rather than killing us all for the great sinners? We are which he could have done and done it justly

[21:41] He redeems [21:42] He pours his wrath. He gives the penalty to his son Jesus and redeems each and every one of us [21:48] Who believe in him and trust in him? [21:50] So he loves us and then he reconnects us to himself and in John chapter 14 [21:55] It’s this idea of being connected to him [21:58] Abiding in him pouring our lives into him and then Jesus says in John 14 and God will pour his life into

[22:05] You you will take put you will take part in the great dance of the Trinity [22:09] So a God who is so passionate about loving people when he pours himself into us [22:16] Through the great love and devotion that we have for him that changes us and makes us love other people [22:24] the New Testament Church [22:27] the community that God forms is [22:32] a

[22:33] Revelation of the Great Commandment [22:36] It is people who come together with a passion for God, but that passion for God [22:44] Transforms us so that we become more and more like him as he revealed himself to us through Jesus and then it [22:52] transforms our lives so that we love other people and

[22:58] You cannot truly be involved in the life of God if you do not love people [23:05] Because you’re not being changed and [23:08] The love of God in the life of God if you come into contact with it cannot help but change you [23:16] Scripture lays it out over and over again the transformation that going into the life of God [23:21] Causes for each and every one of us that know him

[23:26] This is a great idea it’s a great concept sounds wonderful

[23:33] But here is the kicker [23:38] When God creates this community

[23:41] Community is tangible [23:44] This is not simply some idea that we can embrace and while we’re just going about our own life in our own way as [23:54] Individuals isolating ourselves from each other. We can’t you know, just say what we always say all the church. I love the church [24:01] Love it [24:03] Wonderful is the people of God I love God so I love everything he wants to do and [24:09] the church

[24:10] Universal the body of Christ this invisible thing of all believers all over the world [24:16] I’m absolutely in love with the body of Christ [24:20] The scriptures lay out a lifestyle in which you do not love the body of Christ unless you’re taking part [24:28] in the body of Christ [24:30] And how do you do that? [24:33] Well, it starts right here

[24:36] See if you love the church universal [24:40] Well that will show itself through you loving the church [24:46] local [24:46] See that’s be tangible. It has to be actual [24:50] Because these people in Acts chapter 2 verse 42 they’re doing something tangible. They’re pouring over the scriptures [24:58] They’re coming together life on life

[25:02] Dialoguing [25:03] They’re coming together and breaking bread [25:06] Why is that so significant because throughout the history of Israel and Jerusalem they had this thing called table fellowship [25:13] It was the laws that had come through the oral Torah as well through an understanding of the Old Testament to which they say if [25:20] We eat meals with people that do not know God [25:25] Then we are unclean and we cannot worship God we can’t do it

[25:31] So if you’re not a Jew, I cannot have a meal with you [25:34] But throughout the book of Acts and especially in the book of Galatians lays out this great story [25:39] Where Peter is scolded for not eating meals with Gentiles? [25:43] Because he’s afraid of what the Jews will say the breaking of bread is this great testament that God has broken down [25:51] Every wall that will separate any people group people type gender [25:57] Whatever race creed. I don’t care what it is the gospel breaks it down and for them

[26:05] I can eat meals with anyone [26:08] Because it shows the power of the gospel that breaks down every barrier possible to keep us apart [26:17] So when it says that the church [26:19] Committed itself to the breaking of bread. It was this posture of freedom in Jesus

[26:28] and it changed [26:31] the world at that time [26:34] Then it says they prayed together they begged God to do big things [26:41] Together they came together in small groups and they prayed and they begged when you see Peter in the book of Acts when you see [26:48] Him in prison for preaching the gospel [26:50] What do you see the church do you see them have a midnight house prayer meeting and they come together and say let’s pray for

[26:56] Peter and God does a miracle an angel comes frees Peter from prison [27:00] It’s ridiculous and while they’re praying Peter comes to the door and knocks he’s like let me in and [27:06] Somebody goes to the door and says I think there’s a ghost at the door [27:10] But God had worked already through their prayers of course [27:14] I know that God was working through my prayers from before time because he knows what I’m gonna pray before I pray it and [27:19] He knows how he’s gonna answer it before I pray it, but he still wants me to pray it

[27:23] And it’s what brought them to do these things [27:26] It’s this passion for Jesus that was changing them that was letting them understand [27:32] We are allowed to worship freely and know freely the creator of the universe [27:39] Let’s come together and do that let’s come together and grow [27:44] Let’s come together and pray let’s come together and break bread [27:49] Let’s come together and know each other and not judge each other because God’s already judged us

[27:55] He did it through Jesus. There’s no more judgment left. It’s all on Him [28:00] So we’re free just to live as the church

[28:09] Imagine in that day

[28:12] Because it wasn’t just the Jews it was the Greeks it was the Romans [28:15] Everyone was separating along ethnic lines along culture lines along gender lines along age lines

[28:24] You walk by and they did this stuff all over the place [28:27] There’s this huge confusion that you have to do it a certain way you have to worship a certain way [28:31] Jesus died so we could just worship in spirit and truth and they would do it in synagogues [28:36] They would do it meeting houses. They’ve even found caves from the first century that were little [28:41] Sanctuaries where churches would gather they even did it in homes. They did it all types of ways [28:47] But imagine you’re walking by and you hear a worship service

[28:52] Taking place and you just peek in and you see Jews you see Gentiles you see children you see adults [28:59] You see men you see women you see [29:02] Sick people you see healthy people and you’re like whoa whoa whoa this challenges every religious [29:09] Understanding I could possibly have and you say how dare you people worship [29:14] God thinking a Roman can worship side by side with the Jew [29:17] Thinking someone with a sickness can worship side by side with somebody that’s healthy thinking a rich person can worship side by side

[29:24] with a poor person and their response just simply was [29:27] The grace of God has freed us to simply worship in spirit and in truth and that’s what Jesus gave us [29:34] So we can do it with anyone [29:36] And as a matter of fact, you’re welcome here, too [29:42] Because you see the way that God does big things

[29:49] is through [29:50] biblical gospel centered [29:54] community [29:55] You see a lot of you I believe [29:58] That you want God to do something powerful through your life. I [30:02] Believe that you want to see God work mighty things on your behalf

[30:07] But I also believe that there’s something inside of you that is unwilling to enter into the posture [30:13] Where God shows time and time again that he works

[30:20] You see you may believe [30:23] Not a fork leader the barriers between you and other people have been taken and thrown away [30:30] Do you believe it tangible [30:34] What is keeping you from entering into community for the sake of the gospel [30:39] This other people who believe the gospel and can help you with the baggage that you have [30:46] Let’s keep

[30:51] Because here’s the key you won’t change by yourself [30:57] Community change you

[31:01] They will community will change you look a little further

[31:07] Verse 43 [31:10] Here’s what happens when they take this posture they enter into this community they’re passionate about God [31:15] I mean they can connect with the creator of the universe. There’s nothing bigger than that [31:22] It says and all [31:24] Came upon every soul [31:27] See I like that term every soul because it goes back to verse 41 which says 3,000 souls

[31:35] See verse 43 we see no one’s left out

[31:40] All came upon every soul [31:43] And many wonders and signs were being done through the Apostles and all who believed were together [31:50] And had all things in common and they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all as many [31:58] Excuse me as any head need and day by day [32:01] Attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes [32:05] They received their food with glad

[32:08] and generous [32:10] Hearts [32:12] Do you see what God is doing you know what all is you see it’s one thing to [32:19] Read about the mighty works of God, but trust me. It’s another thing to see them

[32:27] And when it happens when you see the hand of God move [32:32] When you see the gospel take root in someone else’s life when you see God do something that seems unexplainable [32:39] To you when you see God work this all comes over you and that all is worship

[32:48] Says what God transforms us for [32:51] God wants to be worshipped when you see a picture of the end of time what you see is worship [32:57] And what you see in the early church is this posture of worship because they cannot believe what God is doing through community [33:06] You see it changes you [33:09] Some of you’re like I’ve been to some community groups, and it didn’t change me it changed me, but for the board I [33:14] Just got bored. That’s how changed I was

[33:17] Listening to another guy tell me about his problems [33:19] I don’t care about his problems [33:20] I care about my problems and they even get to me so I couldn’t talk about my problems [33:24] But even then I’m not gonna tell anybody my problem. What are you talking about? [33:28] I’m just gonna go home cry myself to sleep, and then nobody got to know about it [33:35] Because I think there’s these two extremes that take place in community you either are afraid of it

[33:43] Because it might change you [33:47] You know I don’t know about that

[33:50] Or you just avoid it

[33:55] Because you think it’s a waste of time

[33:59] Life’s pretty good. What do I need another thing? [34:03] So the problem is that they both expose sin in our lives [34:09] So for the one what’s exposed is this sin of shame

[34:18] Shame in our own lives and in the lives of others because somewhere in your life you think you are too unlovable [34:26] For someone to truly love you

[34:30] You think you’re too sinful if they know me they won’t love me [34:41] So here’s the thing if you knew me you might not love me [34:47] You know what are you talking about Steve? [34:49] What I’m talking about community has nothing to do with you [34:53] Community has everything to do with the gospel [34:56] And when we come into community with one another

[34:58] [34:58] [34:59] Through and for the gospel what we’re actually saying is [35:03] God is bigger [35:05] And when we come together for the gospel see I can’t look at you and say do you struggle with that [35:11] Number one you

[35:12] number two [35:14] toughen up [35:16] No, that’s what the gospel says [35:19] The gospel says I may not struggle with the same sin [35:24] But I struggle with sin [35:26] But you know what my identity is found in Christ and so is yours and I want to help you live that out

[35:33] God hasn’t designed for you to do that by yourself and that shame that’s keeping you from community

[35:42] You will only be liberated from it

[35:48] This other guy who avoids community because it’s just a waste of time he’s got better things to do I [35:55] Think part of it is is you’re actually lying and you’ve got some shame, but let’s move on back over here [36:02] But here’s the thing that thing that is keeping you from living life the way God has designed in the way [36:08] He has explained in Scripture that he wants to work the gospel into our lives [36:13] That is your God [36:16] Whatever you are pursuing that keeps you from the work of God for his kingdom

[36:26] You’re not in all of God because you’re in all that thing

[36:32] It’s no matter where we are no matter what reasons there are there’s sinful reasons and God has freed us from that in the [36:39] Gospel and the way that we reveal that we believe the gospel is by taking part [36:44] By tangibly doing it and you’re like well, I have to work. Well, this isn’t a checklist [36:49] You may not show up every week, but you’re there when you can be and you’re loved when you can’t be

[36:55] Will some people judge you if you don’t show up every week probably but you can judge them too [37:01] For their judgmentalism [37:03] See how it works in community great

[37:08] Now the gospel covers all of our sins even if you are being judged by someone understand the gospel covers that [37:16] See believing the gospel is the means as well as the ends of community [37:21] It’s what brings us together and it what will it’s what will take us through to the end the Gospels over it all [37:27] It will change you it changes them [37:30] You see all you see unity you see togetherness you see miracles [37:37] You see all of these wonderful things you see them taking care of one another

[37:43] Because see let’s be honest even in a group this big [37:47] Not everybody can know what’s going on in your life [37:50] But guess what if we take a group this big and break it down into eight or twelve people in every group [37:57] Guess what there’s somebody that knows what’s going on in your life and somebody that can help you

[38:03] You see see how it works [38:05] See they distributed to people have need in Acts chapter 6 [38:09] It got so crazy that they started really a small group ministry with the deacons and helping take care of the poor and the needy [38:15] And the widows [38:17] You see when you have a need [38:20] When you’re in community with other people

[38:23] It’ll help does it have to be in community groups. I’m not legalistic [38:28] But that’s the environment that we’ve created for it to be somewhat accessible for you [38:33] It’s community groups. It’s not a legalistic thing. It’s just that I don’t think you have a better idea frankly

[38:42] I’ll be honest you don’t have a better idea than that [38:45] It’s the environment that we have created to help each and every one of us do this [38:51] So because I think we want it just struggle with it [38:56] You’re like well, I’ll start a community group about baseball

[39:01] No, that’s about baseball [39:04] See community doesn’t exist unless it’s about the gospel now [39:08] Can we start a group doing baseball that will lead to a gospel community group sure?

[39:13] Totally believe that but here’s the thing a lot of us are trying to form community around things that have nothing to do with God [39:20] That’s not real community. You’re like well. I’m in a fantasy football league [39:25] Don’t tell too many people [39:27] And then secondly understand that’s not biblical community. Well. I’m on a basketball team [39:34] Okay, that’s basketball. I think you’re tracking with me there [39:39] Community will change you

[39:41] Even if you’re uncomfortable look you can show up, and I think everything everybody’s afraid of us [39:46] Just let’s just be really honest real quick, and then we’ll be done just after a few more things [39:50] There’s a lot of the way I do that so I’m just gonna say this and then after about seven other things I’ll be done

[39:57] It could be eight for all I know [40:00] Just kidding it’s not eight it could be but here’s the thing

[40:05] We’re afraid that we’re gonna come to a community group and on week one [40:10] Everybody’s gonna look at us and say tell us everything about yourself. Tell us all your sins confess

[40:17] I don’t know you people awkward

[40:26] That’s not what we’re here for

[40:30] Everybody has their own [40:32] Personality it’s called that [40:35] And for some of you you’re gonna need to sit there for eight months before you ever say the first word

[40:43] Some of you on week one you’re gonna tell us more than we even wanted to know

[40:50] But the whole point here is growth the whole point here is change [40:56] The whole point here is is that we’re all on a journey when we trust Jesus as our Savior [41:01] And what we do when we say that is is I want to know God [41:07] Step by step move by move [41:11] Personality to personality [41:14] God wants us to do it together as his people because that is the greatest witness

[41:20] To the rest of the world about his grace because [41:25] It breaks down the barrier between us and lets us be real with each other with no shame [41:34] With the hope for true growth for some of us it takes a while [41:41] Let’s be honest for all of us takes a while. It’s just gonna look different [41:49] Here’s the outcome [41:51] Community will change others

[41:56] I firmly believe that look in verse 47

[42:02] Praising God see that worst always brings it back to work. I like that stuff [42:09] It starts with worship, and he brings it back to worship [42:12] He says this is all just one big testimony of the greatness and the power and the wonder of God [42:21] But see it’s not about them it’s about God community is not about you it’s about God [42:29] Mostly communities about you getting over yourself [42:33] And understanding like rick warren says the greatest line in book history. It’s not about you

[42:41] Purpose-driven life sentence one [42:44] It’s not but I think most of you avoid it because you think it is about you

[42:51] Look at what happens [42:54] Having favor with all the people [42:56] There was so many amazing good things so much charity so much love happening in the church [43:02] That the culture around them because here’s the thing community is not about getting out of culture community takes place right in the middle [43:09] Smack dab while you’re engaging the culture with the gospel [43:13] So i’ll be honest if you’re looking for a church that will help you avoid the culture not this one

[43:19] Because we do it in the middle of culture

[43:24] And the lord added to their number [43:28] day by day those who were being saved [43:34] That’s how I know they were in the middle of culture doing this

[43:38] Because here’s what happens [43:41] People see your freedom in christ people sense your freedom. There’s something different in you [43:46] They ask about the hope that is within you as peter says

[43:51] And you give them the gospel [43:55] or [43:56] They hear about this wonderful community that you’re involved in [43:59] These things that are taking place and this freedom that you’re experiencing for and through the hope of the gospel and they say

[44:09] Can I come or you say will you come? [44:13] And they come and they see community in action

[44:22] And they are redeemed by the gospel

[44:28] That’s why we do what we do [44:31] That’s why sunday mornings are the way that they are [44:34] That’s why our groups are wide open [44:36] That’s why we say bring your friends [44:39] That’s why we have cookouts and we’re like invite somebody [44:43] But I think there’s still something in us that is like if I know lost people I need to hide that from my church

[44:50] No, I glory in that I pray that those of you that don’t know lost people will repent of that and just go meet one

[44:58] Yeah, I don’t really know how it’s done, but it’s usually pretty easy [45:02] Go to work they’re everywhere [45:05] All right, you’re judging them. Yeah, sure, whatever

[45:10] But here’s the key god wants to do something bigger than you’d ever think

[45:20] But sometimes it’s through the slightest and smallest of change

[45:29] We are proactively [45:31] Strategically structuring community have we done it perfectly? No, are we trying? Yes [45:39] But we’re forming community as a whole [45:45] But then doing it [45:47] By breaking everything down into community groups so that you can come together and grow in the gospel

[45:55] And I beg of you [45:58] Come along on the journey [46:01] I can’t promise you it’s going to be comfortable all the time. I can’t promise you it’s going to be pretty [46:05] I can’t promise you someone’s not going to make you mad or hurt your feelings [46:09] But I can promise that the gospel is bigger than every reason why you would avoid it

[46:17] And that in the end god will be glorified by it and you will grow

[46:25] Father we love you [46:28] God you have taken down every barrier

[46:35] God community isn’t simply something that can be programmed because god as we see in the scriptures [46:44] It just happens when people are passionate about you

[46:50] That everything that keeps us apart is taken away in the gospel and we’re just simply thrust together [46:57] With no barriers no baggage no stopping us god because your force and your power [47:03] Is seen through the lives of your people coming together for the hope of the world and the mission of jesus

[47:12] God community isn’t an option [47:15] Community is just where it’s at [47:19] May you help

[47:22] Break down the barriers in our lives to each other