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There are over 50 “one another commands given to the church in the NT.

…one another.

What would be lost in your walk with Jesus if you walked it alone?

The marks of a follower of Jesus in Loving God, Loving People, Living Truth, and Proclaiming Jesus were modeled by Jesus with others. 

• It was a messy journey with the disciples, but it was quite effective.

Read Hebrews 10:19-27

• Invited to enter regularly to draw near to God through Jesus. (22)
  
  
• It is a new way to live. (20)
  
  
• There is a hope that comes through Jesus. (23)
  
  
• We need to take the time to consider how we can provoke each other to keep pursuing Jesus. (24)
  
  
• We need each other to stay on course, but many give up (abandon) on this truth!

Abandoning the gathering is a warning sign that something is out of order in a believer’s life.

• This pattern or habit can become their new ethos (Greek term used).

• Reasons for absence from gathering with the church.
  • Worries of life.
  • Valuing life on earth more than life with Jesus which looks beyond this life.
  • Fear of what others might think.
  • Damaged trust.
  • Struggling to believe.
  • Laziness (sleep, getting ready)
  • Lack of vision due to isolation.

Gathering with other believers will lead to a growing hope and anticipation of Jesus’ return. 

• Faith that Jesus will make all things new is fading.
• Denial of the judgment that comes to those who reject truth.

We should gather more, not less, to get courage to from each other to do life Jesus’ way. 

                  The commitment of the early church was to be together. Acts 2:42-47 

• Devoted to teaching of the church.
• Devoted to fellowship with each other.
• Devoted to praying together.
• They were generous to each other. (45)
• They were together!!!!! (44)

The pattern and description of their gathering as a church. (46-47)

• Pattern
  • Larger gathering for teaching, worship, and prayer.
  • In Homes to fellowship and eat together.
  • Direct ministry to each other.
• Intentional:
  • Willing heart to receive and serve.
  • Make the effort.
  • Being real. [Game changer: The Ohio Experience]
• Gathered together at the Temple. (46)
• Broke bread together in their homes—a common meal.
• Gratitude and sincerity of faith were experienced together.
• They praised God together. (47)
• They extended grace to each other.
• God grew their numbers.

When you disconnect from that, what would happen to your faith?

When you are connected to a movement like this, what happens to your faith?

• Your courage to keep going will wane, so you need encouraged more and more.

Isolation is the recipe for withering on the vine. John 15:4  “…No branch can bear fruit by itself…”

You need me and I need you to spur each other on to thrive in our faith more and more.

Encourage you to consider…

• If you gather, but have not engaged others in community then let me invite you to an ABF, Life Group, or Crossover.
  
  
• If you gather, but you have chosen to make your only Christian community your own family (insular), then know that you are missing out on how God can revitalize your family through the engagement of other believers.
  
  
• If you are watching, maybe even checking us out, you are invited to come and be with us so that we can mutually benefit from each other. 
  
  
• If you are not able to gather, perhaps we can bring some community to you. Please reach out to us.

You need me, and I need you.   TOGETHER! [Image of the One Another’s]