Introduction

Welcome back to week 3 of our 4 week sermon series, Cadence. Cadence is a word we often associate with rhythm. The actual definition of cadence is: a modulation in reading aloud as implied by the structure and ordering of words and phrases in written text. And if you remember back to week 1, you’ll know that while this definition describes reading out loud, you can also find cadence in music, creation, and as we talked about last week… Every individual on earth.

Cadence is everywhere. And one of the most important places you’ll find it is in the rhythm of relationships with others.

Today we’re going to take a deeper look at how our individual lives find divine strength and encouragement in the rhythm of fellowship with others. Or said another way, the cadence of community.

Just like the cosmos, or your calendar, there are both healthy and unhealthy rhythms in relationship with others. Thankfully, the bible gives followers of Jesus some very clear instruction about fellowship, community, and relationships. Actually, much of the Old and New Testaments deal with issues of relationship between groups, neighbors, and cultures. So, while this isn’t exactly “breaking news,” thinking about relationships in terms of rhythm and cadence isn’t something we often do.

Let’s get started...

Cadence is everywhere. And one of the most important places you’ll find it is in the rhythm of relationships with others.

Main Teaching

Have you ever been to a play or musical? Take the timeless Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker, for example… It’s a beautifully choreographed “dance” between actors and dancers. At times, sweeping in it’s scope of musicality and movement and intimately precise at others. That’s exactly how the cadence of relationship works in our lives. Sweeping and robust at times, intimate and precise at others.

It’s a dance we all must learn, and like most things in life, some catch on more quickly than others.

The Dance

“Similar to learning and practicing dance steps and moves, the “dance” of relationships, how we engage and interact with another, has its own set of steps, tempo and rhythm that are necessary in order to negotiate the moves between people. Sometimes these steps are verbalized, openly stated so that the people involved understand what is expected of them in the relationship. Sometimes these steps are never discussed, so it’s the actions between people that define what is going on in the relationship.”

If what this author/psychologist is saying is true then there are certain “rules” and “practices” commonly accepted when dancing or when negotiating a relationship. And when speaking specifically of relationships I generally mean fellowship and community with others. There are acceptable and time-honored practices involved that we either adhere to or not.

Like bringing a gift to a wedding.

Like showing up on time when agreeing to meet with a friend.

Like responding to a text message or voicemail in a timely manner.

These may seem like small things, like inconsequential things, but it’s all the little things that go into the “dance.” In the Nutcracker, it’s every cue, every toe-lift, every note that the orchestra plays...It all works together.

And as we know from Romans 8:28… “God works all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Fellowship is a gift.

Community is a gift.

Rhythm and cadence are gifts that God has woven into our lives.

So, what kind of practices and actions does the Bible prescribe to the fellowship of believers?

Fellowship

We only need to look directly into the beginning of the church to see what their “rhythm” was. Acts 2:42-47 gives us a beautiful picture;

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

When I read this passage, there are so many words and themes that stand out to me; Devotion, teaching, prayer, generosity, praise, and salvation… But I’m curious, what words stand out to you? What practice did the early church have then that sounds appealing to you now? What things do you still see happening in church today? ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium