DEVOTED

“Devoted to Community”
Laurie Hoyt – February 25, 2024

“The paradox of our age is that we’ve never been more connected as a culture and we’ve never felt more alone.”

– Carey Nieuwhof

What is Biblical community?

“Doing life together in such a way that it accurately reflects the love of God to a watching world.”

Acts 2:42-47 (NLT) – All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— All the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Why are WE devoted to Community?

1. Community is God’s PLAN. In fact, without community, there is no CHURCH.
   
   Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT) – Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
   

2. Community is God’s design for our CARE and PROTECTION.
   
   Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) – And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
   

3. Community necessitates AUTHENTICITY.
   
   2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT) – Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

   
   James 5:16 (NLT) – Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.