Together

Together
N. Keith Shepherd

I. Introduction

Genesis 2:18 (NLT) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

A. was God’s plan to change the world.

John 17:20-21 (NLT) ²⁰“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. ²¹I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) ¹⁸Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

II. Why Does Living “in Community” Matter?

A. is uniquely present in His community.

Matthew 18:20 (NLT) “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

“Personalities united can contain more of God, and sustain the force of His presence, much better than scattered individuals.” (Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines)

B. Community prevents “ ” in our lives.

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) ²⁴Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. ²⁵And 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.

C. Community shows us the of being known and loved.

Genesis 3:10 (NLT) He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

D. Community is where we learn to like Jesus .

John 13:34-35 (NLT) ³⁴“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. ³⁵Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

“Community is the place where the person I least want to be there is always there.” (Henri Nouwen)

III. Conclusion

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