Overcoming Challenges & Obstacles to Authentic Community

James 5:1-6

Transforming Community 07 | Michael Braden | connect & care assistant pastor | first aired on 05.31.20

The Goal: Authentic Community, Not Conditional

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. —Acts 2:42-47 (CSB)

I. First Challenge: Authentic

II. Second Challenge: Authentic

In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. —Acts 6:1 (CSB)

A. What’s your “giving up” limit??
B. Try not to focus on what you’re giving up, but what someone else is gaining.

A husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband. A wife does not have the right over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband does not have the right over his own body, but his wife does. —1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (CSB)

III. Third Challenge: Authentic

A. Why do we do what we do?
B. The vision may not have brought you here, but the vision will keep you here!!

Question to Consider:

Do you want to be a part of an authentic community or a conditional one?

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