Let’s explore the interruptions and unexpected moments in Christ’s ministry. Jesus’s reaction to the people and disruptions that occur around him help us recognize that God is sovereign. He can use these “accidents” and “interruptions” for his glory, and we can find grace in the divine interruptions that occur in our own lives. Third week of our series… focussing on how other people can be the divine interruptions we need. Notes: Have you ever been a part of a team? We’ll only __________ as far as the __________ we’re a part of! Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (AMP) We’ve been given the __________ of each other. We’ve been given the gift of __________ . We’re __________ together! We’re __________ together! Genesis 2:18 (NIV) Could the strength and resource and wisdom that you need be found in the community that God has given you! - Loneliness is a plague that is cured in community - Confusion is a state that’s steadied by community - Fear is spirit that gets ejected in community - Obstacles are destroyed and removed in community - Purpose is uncovered and fulfilled in community - Discouragement is turned to strength in Community - My failure is turned to triumph when surrounded by community - Lies are silenced in the collective truth of community Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) Our world will reflect the company we keep and the community we __________ with. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (AMP) 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 The Passion Translation (TPT) 5 Ways that Church Community Advances Our Lives 1. Provides Purpose In the passage of scripture we just read in 1 Corinthians 12, it articulates how our value and purpose is unique and different, but that each of us has a specific purpose and function and role that we play within the body. Which means that my purpose is discovered and highlighted within the context of the bigger community I’m connected to. 2. Calls me beyond where I am Our natural tendency as humans is to stall and settle or slip backward into old ways of living and habits, but when you’re connected into the family of God, you’ll find your life continuing to progress even when you’re not feeling like it. 3 .Exposes blind spots and pitfalls As we’re moving forward and taking ground in life, there’s going to be potential for things to cause us to slip up or get us tripped up in life. But, the key is to have the right circle around you to be able to see and give you insight about the areas that you cannot see. The key here is that you stay committed to not be offended when that correction and challenge does come your way! Be someone who invites input and correction into your life and then most importantly, be someone who listens and applies that wisdom! YOU HAVE TO LET PEOPLE CLOSE ENOUGH TO SEE STUFF. 4. Brings joy to my life The world we live in currently is one of the most “connected” from a technology standpoint, but also the most lonely from a relational standpoint. The community we get connected to, is for advancement and all of that, but it’s also just simply about connection and relationships. Our lives are more rich and full when we have great friends in our world to do life with. 5. Helps Me Overcome!! and Find Victory!! The community of the church that God has put us in, picks me up when I fall and throws the party when we cross the finish line in victory! The overcome, we need each other. Don’t think of the church community as a bunker to retreat to but a team/family to charge the enemy lines with. John 11:38-44 (NIV) 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” We will only __________ if we’re willing to allow others to __________ into our lives.
