Building Balanced Spiritual Lives: In Towards God's People In Community

Written by Ed Allen
Sunday, 23 January 2011 10:00

Sermons - Up - In - Out - Balance

Growing in towards God's people in community is a first order priority... It is an absolute necessity if you are going to build a balanced spiritual life.

1. Galatians 6:9-10

(9) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (10) Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

2. Matthew 12:46-50

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

(46) While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. (47) Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”

(48) He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” (49) Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. (50) For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

• Jesus' mother and brothers were outside wanting to speak to him, but Jesus says whoever does His Father's will is his brother and sister and mother.
• Those who have a close connection with God are his family.

3. Mark 3:13-14

Jesus Appoints the Twelve

(13) Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. (14) He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.

• Jesus is choosing the 12 disciples
• He is forming a small group where He spent the most time and focus of his ministry.

Life Habits That Build Community

• Investing in community
  • Do the community study
  • Connect to a small group
• Nourish others out of personal wholeness
  • "Church: Why Bother?" by Philip Yancey