Scripture to Read: Acts 2
This week, we have the privilege of looking at the biblical basis for “community,” which every believer needs. On our Highview website, we read that “Community describes the relationships that are formed out of being a disciple of Jesus. In community groups, people build authentic relationships with other believers and center their lives on Jesus and His mission, together.” God designed us for community in order to grow in our fellowship with each other and with Him. When the church was first started, we read in Acts 2:42, They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. The first believers knew how important it was to be together, pray together, and study God's Word together. True community cannot take place apart from being in the presence of one another. There is no doubt that modern technology is an asset for those who are homebound and those who are serving overseas, who have limited access to fellowshipping with other believers as they serve in places where there are very few believers. But even in those circumstances, those believers need fellowship with other believers so they are encouraged, are prayed for, and given guidance as they continue to grow in their walk with our Lord. We must guard against the mentality that listening to a sermon online is enough or that we can grow independently with little or no influence from others. God never designed us to do this life on our own, so let’s not shut ourselves off from community with other believers.
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you today about why community is important?
· How are you making sure you stay connected in a community group?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!