Ephesians 3:16–19 NLT: 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Matthew 13:21 NLT: But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
Acts 2:42 NLT: All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…
I. A church rooted in
Four Devotional Pitfalls
The Pharisee Pitfall
The Sadducee Pitfall
The Zealot Pitfall
The Essene Pitfall
Acts 2:44–45 NLT: And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
II. A church rooted in
- Sharing your time
Acts 2:46–47 NLT: They worshiped together at the Temple each day… 47 And each day the Lord added to their fellowship…
2. Sharing your treasure
Acts 2:44–45 NLT: And all the believers…shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
3. Sharing your talent
1 Peter 4:10–11 NLT: God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 … everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ…
Acts 2:42, 44, 46 NLT: All the believers devoted themselves to…fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer… 44 And all the believers met together in one place… 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity –
III. A church rooted in
1. Community requires involvement
Galatians 6:10 NLT: Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
2. Community requires commitment
1 Corinthians 12:24-25, 27 NLT: …So God has put the body together… 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
Acts 2:43, 47 NLT: A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders … 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
1 Corinthians 10:16–18 NLT: When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? 17 And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. 18 Think about the people of Israel. Weren’t they united by eating the sacrifices at the altar?