Jesus's sacrfice allows us to live in community with all Believers.
You can say we're more connected than ever with the invention of cell phones and social media. But with that we are more isolated than ever.
Technology is isolating us.
Isolation is terrible, not God's will for us at all.
He created us to be in community. We are not meant to be alone.
Our best shot at getting through this life is to do life together. That should be our aim.
Sometimes this is hard.
Life is very busy. Stop and look at what you need in relationships.
Busyness and fear of connection/intimacy.
Church has to be a safe place.
"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32
We shouldn't reject others for we are all sinners. It's very dangerous to separate ourselves. The church must be a safe place.
Our fellowship must be deliberate.
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47
Becoming a Christian was dangerous (still is in many parts of the world).
God speaks to everyone individually and specifically. They spent their time together.
Sharing the burden is part of what the church is to do.
They shared meals together.
They prayed together.
Be open to listen.
3 things necessary:
1. Faith shared
2. Commitment to each other
3. Courage to reach out
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
Jesus was and is all about relationships.