Series: The Real Christian Life Bill Scott 01/26/14 Message: The Real Christian Life Thrives in Community

I Introduction
Who are your monkeys? We need each other. We help each other. Christian community: An expandable, circular band of light that continually extends outward; we hold that band of light with one hand keeping touch yet reaching out.

II Community: What is it? _______________________

interests, purposes and goals that draw people together.

A. Communities: Circles or spheres of _________________ in our lives; they are places where we live and move and have our being B. What are YOUR communities? If you were to draw the circles of your communities what would they look like? What are the points of intersection of those communities? Do some not intersect at all?

III Community: Why?

A. Because God ___________________ it (Genesis 1:1-3, John 1:3) B. Because God ___________________ it (Gen. 2:15-18) C. Because God ___________________ it (Luke 10:25-37, 1 Corinthians 12) D. We were redeemed so we, in turn, could become conduits of Gods _________________, acting similar to circuits of electricity. Christ in you the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) We have this treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7) Out of your innermost beings will flow rivers of living water (John 7:38) Let your light so shine before men(Matt. 5:16) Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15) Bear one anothers burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2)

IV Community: Who and where

A. Within our spheres of influence. We each have spheres of influence; it is intended to grow and develop over time; Within our immediate family first First within, then without. Do good, especially to those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10) B. We are to be ________________. (2 Corinthians 5:20) An ambassador represents the interests of the nation that sent him to a foreign nation. Disciples instructed to take the message of the gospel first to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria (Acts 1:8); making disciples (Matthew 28:19)

V Community: How
A. B. Natural affections...stronger within some families than others In order to effectively do community, the ___________________ relationship needs to be in place because it provides the power and the desire for ___________________ community Such as I have I give unto you (Acts 3:6) The strength of the vertical determines the effectiveness of the horizontal Our devotion to God is exhibited in the way we relate to others One another - Principles for living in community RetirementNot Take the Do for one what you would like to do for all challenge. (Andy Stanley)

C. D. E.

VI Community: Benefits
A. B. A three strand cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12) We are tapping into the eternal purposes of God...Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10); Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10) Christ in me Christ in you wants to fulfill those purposesOur lives have infinitely more purpose when we cooperate with that divine purpose at work within us C. Combating loneliness D. The message of stone soup E. Acts 2The church was added to the church daily