Sunday, January 14, 2024
DESTINATION 2024: CommUNITY Matters
Mike Teel, Pastor
FOCAL PASSAGE:
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” —John 13:34-35
WHY SELECT
AS A THEME?
1. GOD CREATED US WITH A NEED FOR
–Remember the first negative in Scripture is found in Genesis 2:18-20
18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 19 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. —Genesis 2:18-20
–From the beginning of our existence, we were created to be in relationship with God and each other.
–Our sins broke that relationship with God.
–This is why Jesus had to come into our world to repair the broken relationship with God.
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. —Isaiah 59:2
2. SATAN WANTS TO
US
–From the very beginning Satan wanted to separate us from God and others.
–Today our world has bought into this theme of independence and isolation.
–Satan knows if he can separate you from God’s influence in your life his ability to defeat you is greatly increased.
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:24-25
24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. —Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
–Satan knows that we are “Better Together” and that when we are in relationship with each other and the Lord we are not easily defeated.
–Let me tell you, Satan hates it when we gather to worship and experience true genuine fellowship with fellow believers.
WHAT DOES THE
SUGGEST?
–The Theme: CommUNITY Matters suggest at least two things to us.
–First, it suggests that “Community” is important – it really does matter.
–Secondly, it suggests that in “community” there are certain things are important, that they really matter to those seeking “community.”
HOW WILL “COMMUNITY MATTERS
THIS YEAR?
- January – February
Focus:
GOD’S FAMILY TOGETHER
Focal Passage: I John 4:11
11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. —I John 4:11
Question to Consider: How comfortable are you with being in community with others?
- MARCH – APRIL
Focus:
TOGETHER
Focal Passage: Romans 12:4-5
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. —Romans 12:4-5
Question to Consider: What might keep you from making a deeper commitment to your SSLG, ministry team, or church?
- MAY – JUNE
Focus:
OUT TOGETHER
Focal Passage: Colossians 4:5
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. —Colossians 4:5
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” —John 13:35
Question to Consider: Will anybody be in heaven because of you?
- JULY – AUGUST
Focus:
TOGETHER
Focal Passage: Philippians 3:17
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. —Philippians 3:17
Question to Consider: Who will I look to as a model or mentor for my Spiritual growth or how can I be a model or mentor for someone’s Spiritual growth?
- SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER
Focus:
OTHERS TOGETHER
Focal Passage: Galatians 5:13
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. —Galatians 5:13
Question To Consider: How will you serve someone in our church, ministry group or Sunday School Life Group today?
- NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
Focus:
TOGETHER
Focal Passage: Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:24-25
10a He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; —Psalm 46:10a
Question To Consider: What do I need to do to get my schedule and priorities in step with God’s rhythm?
LIVE IT OUT
—None of this is going to make sense to you if you do not have a personal relationship with Christ.
—Will you please pray about how you can become a very vital part of our emphasis this year?
—We are BETTER TOGETHER!