The Value Of Community Series

Life Choice Series

The value of Community

Hebrews 10:23-25

Good Morning everyone, we are glad you have joined with us today and pray the Lord speaks into a specific area of your life today.

There is an old saying by John Dunn “No man is an island” it comes from the 1600’s and means that people need people. what we do affects other people, it is the ripple effect of mankind.

The devil will try to make us believe that we are the “only ones” going through a hard time but truth be told, were all going through something. It is a trick of the mind to deceive you when he (devil) can convince you are all by yourself- especially if you are a born again believer.

He does not want you to know you absolutely are not alone in your fight.

Boundaries are necessary because without boundaries we would all be off track and heading in our own direction instead of the way of the Lord and what He has for each of our lives.

God’s Holy word, man’s road map will help us find the Lord, to stay on track with the Lord, and stay in a right relationship with the Lord. It is all in here!

The most important decision- making a choice that Jesus Christ becomes Lord and savior of your life.

It is an eternal decision with benefits for accepting and consequences if you do not.

No one is almost a Christian and gets in- you either are a believer or you are not!

(2) Your decision of who you have around you as friends

(3)AND THIS MORNING- COMMUNITY

THE GATHERING OF PEOPLE THAT COME TO CHURCH AND WE HAVE INTERACTION WITH.

Please turn in your bibles to Hebrews 10:23-25 Read from bible

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

(KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;

but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.”

This morning I would like to talk about vital connections in the communities of our life.

Connections being defined as things that are important to us.

Our families, our church and most important our relationship with God.

We live in a society that does not encourage deep connection. EVERYTHING IS SHALLOW AND CASUAL.

In fact, most of society encourages separation and isolation to freely do, say, act, and think anyway you want.

I want you to understand that there are 2 important connections that you must make in your life.

Most important, your relationship and connection with the Lord.

The second is your church family and your church. By design if these relationships are in right perspective, other relationships in your life will be in place.

We are coming out of a long winter (Say Amen)

Isolation because of weather.

We are forced to slow down because of conditions beyond our control.

Why do most people look forward to spring?

Because it is a fresh start. A time to get out of routine (ruts) and do something different. Spring is a time of new life!

I am going to stretch you a little bit this morning.

Relationship with the Lord is offered to each and every one of us, but it doesn’t come easy for us.

The church designed by God, blessed by Jesus is complicated because there is our idea of church and God’s idea of church.

We struggle to do things God’s way.

Our idea of Church

A place where good people come to hear a message from their pastor.

When all is said and done, we want to feel good and be happy until the next time we come in.

We expect someone (not us) to maintain, teach, support, and encourage us.

We expect a card when we don’t show up and a happy face when we do show up.

God’s idea of church-

Place of Redemption – A place where sinners can come and find that relationship with God that they are searching for.

Place of Discipleship- People from all walks of life at different levels of relationship with God can come and learn the things of God and allow God to change what is needed in their life.

Place of Commitment- A place where the people of God commit to the Lord and each other.

Place of Service- The Lord teaches, equips believers for service. We must realize that everyone of us plays a part in the kingdom of God.

Redemption, Discipleship, commitment, Service.

To most church is a building.

A place you come, but if you are really going to connect with the Lord, the church becomes an extension of our relationship with the Lord.