Extending Community To
Others
Sermon Summary
18 June 2000
Reading - Lk 15:1-10
The real test of generosity is giving away something that we really value eg. Man gave son-in-law $5,000 as a wedding present. He gave the money to his other daughter to pass it on. When his daughter returned, he questioned her. "Did you give him the money?" "Yes." "What did he say?" "Nothing. He just cried!" "How long did he cry for?" "1 minute." "The ingrate!" yelled the father. " I cried for an hour after I wrote the cheque!"
It is a serious thought, giving away what we value for God's work, e.g., the widow's single coin. To those who sacrificially give to develop real community within the church, community becomes a precious commodity - something highly prized. But highly prized or not, we need always to remember that…
It is God's Intention that Christian Community Be Extended To Others: John 17:20-23
- It is a vital experience as well as a means to an end - Acts:1:8; Matt.28:19,20.
- It is necessary that Christian Community be a building that we extend into the larger community eg. New walls, floors, windows etc., wherever our lives touch others at work or play Gal.6: 10, so that our lives can be windows on God, and doorways through which others can experience God for themselves first hand.
- Those who treasure community must avoid the trap of 'possessing it'. It is an experience to share - to extend to others, otherwise what one has will become exclusive, unhealthy and ultimately lost.
- Disconnection and alienation from God is the real problem behind the pain, hurt, greed, and anguish that people experience: Gen.3:24; Eph.2:11,12.
- Reconnection with Himself & others is the goal of God through the gospel Eph.2:17-19,22. - and the real heart hunger of people eg. Gen.2:18
- Love, personal warmth, acceptance, care, and practical concern is the best evangelistic strategy devised! We need to be willing to 'connect' with others, especially the unloved and the unlovely! Matt.6:43-48.
Our Experience of Community Is Intended o Empower Us To Engage In God's Great Search: Lk.15:1ff.; Eph.4:11-13.
- Involvement in the church is intended to help us 'grow up' in Christ, enabling us to 'do the work of ministry'.
- Lk.15 records 3 back to back stories involving something precious 'lost', a 'search', and a 'celebration’. Theology aside, the experience of supportive shared fellowship, prayer, encouragement, and challenge, most certainly motivates a person to engage in personal evangelism.
Conclusion
As a community we need to remember how…
- Lost the lost are out side of faith in-Christ! 2Thess.1:6-10; 2Tim.3:1-4 - destructive to themselves as well! Solution: Reflect for a moment on how lost you were before finding faith in Christ!
- Found the found become in-Christ. 1John.5:11,12; Tit.2:11-14 Solution: Reflect for a moment on how 'found' you are now, if you know Christ! When did you last celebrate your salvation?
- An exclusive community is at odds with itself and with God. We need to be extending community beyond ourselves by:
- welcoming all to receive and participate in it;
- taking 'community' with us wherever we go and building extensions at work and play.
Blessings