COMMUNITY LIFE IN THE CHURCH (1 OF 6)
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
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Community Life in the Church (1 of 6)
Series: Acts
Brian Fletcher
Acts 2:42-47
Context: (SLIDE) We have spent the last several weeks considering church life-that is some of what it means to be part of a church. We looked at the sum of the parts in 1 Cor. 12 and how everyone has a necessary part and gift. In Matt 18 we saw the argument amongst the disciples about who was the greatest. Jesus' answer is that the great ones are those who do not lead others into sinful pride, who care for those who have lost their way (lost sheep), who confront a friend in his/her sin, and who are willing to demonstrate radical forgiveness like that of Jesus Christ. In short, the church is not perfect but must strive to be more like Jesus in a culture of grace.
Today I hope you will grasp why you need a church community. Read: Acts 2:44-46
INTRO: I think it's obvious that we crave true community. But in case it's not let me demonstrate from a NY Times best selling author. David Brooks, in his book On Paradise Drive, describes Patio Man (Brooks, p.57).
Patio Man envisions a Saturday evening party on his deck with his new grill with steel capable of surviving a direct nuclear assault. His wife, Cindy, the Realtor Mom, is circulating among his friends serving drinks, telling parent-teacher-conference stories and generally stirring up the hospitality; while he masterfully wields his extra-wide fish spatula in one hand with a beer in the other and is absorbing the aroma of imported hickory chips to the silent admiration of all his friends. The sun is shining. The people are friendly…the children are well adjusted. This vision of domestic bliss is what Patio Man has been shooting for all his life.
FCF: We all long for this state of harmony and bliss. It is desirable for many good reasons. And notice how it is couched in the context of our friends and neighbors. Part of the value is that it gains their respect and admiration. It gives us place and belonging-it gives us communi ...
Series: Acts
Brian Fletcher
Acts 2:42-47
Context: (SLIDE) We have spent the last several weeks considering church life-that is some of what it means to be part of a church. We looked at the sum of the parts in 1 Cor. 12 and how everyone has a necessary part and gift. In Matt 18 we saw the argument amongst the disciples about who was the greatest. Jesus' answer is that the great ones are those who do not lead others into sinful pride, who care for those who have lost their way (lost sheep), who confront a friend in his/her sin, and who are willing to demonstrate radical forgiveness like that of Jesus Christ. In short, the church is not perfect but must strive to be more like Jesus in a culture of grace.
Today I hope you will grasp why you need a church community. Read: Acts 2:44-46
INTRO: I think it's obvious that we crave true community. But in case it's not let me demonstrate from a NY Times best selling author. David Brooks, in his book On Paradise Drive, describes Patio Man (Brooks, p.57).
Patio Man envisions a Saturday evening party on his deck with his new grill with steel capable of surviving a direct nuclear assault. His wife, Cindy, the Realtor Mom, is circulating among his friends serving drinks, telling parent-teacher-conference stories and generally stirring up the hospitality; while he masterfully wields his extra-wide fish spatula in one hand with a beer in the other and is absorbing the aroma of imported hickory chips to the silent admiration of all his friends. The sun is shining. The people are friendly…the children are well adjusted. This vision of domestic bliss is what Patio Man has been shooting for all his life.
FCF: We all long for this state of harmony and bliss. It is desirable for many good reasons. And notice how it is couched in the context of our friends and neighbors. Part of the value is that it gains their respect and admiration. It gives us place and belonging-it gives us communi ...
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