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The Genius Of Christianity Series
Contributed by Stan Rodda on Oct 13, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: Looking at fellowship and how we overlook so much of what it means to us as Christians, but really Christianity offers something no other "religion" does, true fellowship.
The Genius of Christianity!
Story of Linda and Whitehorse
Community is the genius of Christianity
-having areas of interest in common, sharing things
Acts 2:42
Koinonia- sharing, participation, contribution
Let’s study this more! Acts 2:44-47
Where is the community in this passage?
V. 44- in common (Contribution)
Not gather up and give it all away
But “it’s yours if you need it”
We are responsible for the welfare of our brothers
Pentecost (besides evangelism)
-needed a place to stay
-rejected by Jews
V. 45- shared (Sharing)
Everything was shared “as one had need”
Not passed out equally to all
Some needs were greater than others
V. 46- one mind (Participation)
See how they worked together
They were involved in each other’s lives
Today- some don’t even know what’s going on
Grape vine (gossip)
How would you have responded?
If you’re missing out on this, you might be missing out on more
1 John 1:3-7
Fellowship, community with God comes first
- good relationship, same page, goals & mindset
Why is this issue so important today?
I mean we have donuts each week right?
Shake hands with 2 who aren’t in your clique!
Individualism in society
We weren’t created for individualism
We were created for community
Not independence, but interdependence
1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13; Acts 15:32
The genius of Christianity is its community
There is no other faith that is this interwoven
What does this have to do with me?
You may be looking for a place to call home
A place to find hope and love
A community of people who love and support you
You may already be here and just not participate
Your priorities may not be allowing it
Challenge:
Give up one priority
Practice putting fellowship in its place