Pastor Mark Olmos
October 10, 2004 - W0441

Question:  What groups/organizations do we belong to?  Why? Share your experiences with one of the groups.  In what ways, does membership in these groups add to our lives?  In what ways, does membership complicate our lives?

We all love our sports – especially team sports. On the last out of the World Series, there is an intense, exciting reaction from not only the winning team, but the crowd watching the game. You see the hugging, the tears, and the pats on the backs. Why does this happen? 

Because it is the joyful celebration of a team committed to each other’s success, overcoming challenges during the past year, and the results of demonstrated unity over time. Each player has a talent, but it is the collective work of the team that makes success possible. 

Discussion: Based on your experiences, share some of the characteristics of an effective team.  

The work of our church reflects this too. People see us working as a church community – growing and sharing together. We are a dynamic community working cooperatively to fulfill God’s purpose and we invite others to join us. 

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

What does it take to have a dynamic community and why isn’t it like that all the time? A dynamic community is defined by the presence of shared …

Devotion:  A sincere and determined dedication… COMMITMENT!

Why should we be a part of a dynamic community? How can we experience a contagious community, there are some things we can do to devote our lives to and benefit from being a part of a dynamic community. Let’s take a look at four…

Benefits of a Dynamic Community

1.     I WILL ACHIEVE GENUINE LIFE CHANGE THROUGH GOD’S WORD!

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching...”

When you get a cold, you treat the symptoms of coughing, sneezing, etc. by taking cold medicine. You are only treating the symptoms. Really the only cure for the cold is to let it run its course. In the same way, sin is like a “spiritual virus”. It affects everything about us. However, unlike a cold or virus, when sin runs its course, the wages of which are death, it’s not just a physical death, but a spiritual death which is separation from God for all of eternity.

The good news though is there is a cure and the only cure for sin is Jesus. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Pet. 2:24)  When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven of all our sins, the power of sins is broken, and we are cured.

The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17) Through the grace of God, we have the ability to start a new life. The Holy Spirit can reach deep into our heart using God’s words to rehabilitate our life. The only requirement is that we open our heart and let God begin His work on us. 

Question: What in your life do you need to change?  How has the word of God guided you to acknowledging your need to change?  In what ways has it helped you to take the first steps?  In what ways, can others also devoted to God extend themselves to help you?

The Bible is the owner’s manual for human beings. That’s why we encourage you to establish reading it as a lifetime habit. “For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)  There is a level of living, loving, and being that only God can take us to when we begin to apply His word to our lives.

Therefore our challenge is to devote ourselves to God’s word. How can we do that? Read the Bible. Journal everyday writing down what God is teaching you. Listen to the sermons. Use moments of waiting (e.g., in traffic) to listen to the word of God. Let the Bible and God influence your thoughts and attitudes.

Question: Did you have a time when you read the scriptures and found it to be just the encouragement or insight you were searching for?  Share it with others.  How did it change a challenge into an opportunity?

Another thing we can do is to meet with other people in a small group each week. When we do that, we multiply our learning because we are learning what they are learning. So devote yourselves to this in order for it to take effect in your lives. Then the second benefit to experience is…

2.     I WILL ENJOY RICH, CHRIST-CENTERED FRIENDSHIPS!

Christ-centered friendships mean participating in each other’s life in a loving and caring way. Surrounding yourself with friends who also share your love for Christ will allow you to grow and learn from each other. They devoted themselves to… the fellowship.”

Fellowship reminds me of team sports. Life’s “every man for himself” mentality changes. Unity, team work, respect, and humility enter in. And that’s what it’s like in a church. We get to know one another, share our lives, and cheer each other on. The world may measure us by our net worth, but church provides rich Christ-centered friendships that give support and love to our lives.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” (Heb. 10:24-25)

The Bible places value on staying together. And in a church you can find those kinds of deep friendships. Of course we have to be willing to open up our lives and allow people to get to know us. One of the best things to do is join a group or ministry. Don’t sit back, but step in and participate. Be devoted to fellowship and God will begin to work in your life.  

Question: In what ways have you benefited from a Christ-centered friendship?  Set a goal to do something for someone else that is loving and caring – a reflection of Christ. 

The third benefit of participating in a dynamic community means that …

3.     I WILL RECEIVE GRACE THAT WILL SET ME FREE FROM MY PAST.

By the grace of God, we have been forgiven. Isn’t that an amazing gift? We don’t need to earn it – that’s what God’s grace is all about. Every action, every thought was forgiven when Jesus gave His life on the cross. He did this because He loved us and wanted each of us to find forgiveness in ourselves and with each other. So extend grace to others by:

“They devoted themselves to… the breaking of bread...”

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Cor. 11:26)

Breaking bread, sharing a meal means praying together and sharing fellowship. God gave us a ceremony to remind us of the meaning of the cross. Communion is a time to declare our faith and celebrate God’s grace in our life.

You may be wondering why communion is celebrated regularly. Why did they devote themselves to this? It’s because grace sets us free from our past and changes us completely. Then finally, the last benefit is…

4.     I WILL EXPERIENCE GOD’S POWER IN EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE!

“They devoted themselves to… prayer.”

“Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.” (Eph. 6:18)

In prayer, do not be afraid to share with God and ask for His guidance. If you ask, He will answer. So how might we pray?

First, walk through your day. Ask for patience as you go through your day. Try talking out loud because it helps you quiet the inner voices that may distract you from prayer.  Throughout the day, have an ongoing dialog with God. In other words, pray without ceasing. 

So be a part of a dynamic community. You will start to see God show up if you devote yourself to prayer and commit your life to serving. in God’s kingdom. Through daily devotion achieve genuine life change begins. And you begin to enjoy Christ-centered friendships receiving God’s grace and experiencing God’s power in every area of your life.

Question: What will you do starting today to become a part of or build a dynamic community centered on Christ?

Thank you to volunteer writer, Phyllis Unebasami, a woman truly devoted to Jesus.