Real Community | Pre-All Church Message | Pastor Andrew Cromwell

1 Timothy 3:15 NCV: I’m writing these instructions…so you’ll know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church…

What are We Supposed to do as the Church?

Acts 2:42-27 NIV: And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

1. We

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…(NIV)

They committed themselves to learning the teachings of the apostles… (Mes)

.2 We

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship…(NIV)

They joined with other believers in fellowship (NLT)

They were life family to each other (CEV)

They committed themselves to life together (Mes)

3. We

…to the breaking of bread… (NIV)

They shared in fellowship meals (TEV)

4. We

…the breaking of bread and the prayers… (NIV)

They spent time praying together (NCV)

5. We

And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (NIV)

They shared everything with each other…and helped each other when anyone in the group had a need…

God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other. 1 Peter 4:10 LB

How to Get the Most from Your Group

1. I make my group a

Let us not give up the habit of meeting together. Instead, let us encourage one another. Heb. 10:25 TEV

2. I share my thoughts with

Don’t try to act important but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Rom. 12:16 NLT

3. I show

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. Romans 14:1 (Mes)

We must bear the burden of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others. Romans 15:2 LB

4. I share my

Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Js. 5:16 LB

5. I share others

Help carry each other’s burdens. In this way you will follow Christ’s teachings. Gal. 6:2 GW

As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Col. 3:12 GW

6. We

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Heb. 10:24 NIV

I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you. Rom. 1:12 NCV

What are your excuses?

Luke 14:16-18 NIV: Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ “But they all alike began to make excuses