Why We Value Community

THE CORE:  WHY WE VALUE COMMUNITY Genesis 1:26-27; 2:18; Acts 2:42-47   WE VALUE COMMUNITY . . .   Because God has created us for community. We are hardwired for relationships with God and with others. To have a relationship with God. "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, after our likeness . . . So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."  Genesis 1:26a, 27   To have a relationship with others. "Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him."  Genesis 2:18 It is not a suggestion, but it is essential to our overall well-being. Where there is no community there is isolation and loneliness.   Because the essence of the gospel is best displayed in the context of community. "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers . . . And all who believed were together and had all things in common . . . And day by day, attending temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people."  Acts 2:42,44,46, 47a   We live out the "one another's" that reflect the work of the gospel in us. "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.  We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."  2 Corinthians 5:20    Because the mission of the gospel is best advanced through authentic community. "And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."  Acts 2:47b If you want to change the world, love your neighbor    HITTING THE BULLSEYE OF COMMUNITY. . .   Eliminate the chaos so you can engage in community. Community is often crowded out by the chaos of our lives.   Take radical steps to create margin for what matters most. Busyness is the greatest threat to community. What do you value? Let your values drive your decisions.   Become intentional in cultivating relationships with people who have a common purpose, in a common place. "And all who believed were together and had all things in common."  Acts 2:44   Stop making excuses for not engaging in authentic community.