July 07- 08, 2007 The Real Secret! Philippians 4: 21 - 23, Selected

The Real Secret of Community!

(Terry Anderson)

There are many counterfeits to community. Look at these…

Where does real community start?

I. Culture CRAVES Relationships!

We seek avoidance at all cost … and cost us – it does!

G. Gallup – “Americans are among the loneliest people in the world.”

Access to people is not the issue. What are we missing out on?
Regular, meaningful caring relationships!

II. We were CREATED by God to be relational beings.

We’re NOT designed to live in a state of functional isolation but in a meaningful caring human connection called “relationships”!

Pastor/Author Randy Frazee calls it “crowded loneliness”.

God intended the original plan “How To Do Life” in Genesis 1 & 2 for our relationships.

Not only is there a “God-shaped void”
but there is also a “human-shaped void” in us!

Natural consequences when man does not follow God’s plan for community.
1. Lost perspective
2. Fear of Intimacy
3. Selfishness
4. Poor Health

The need for meaningful, caring community relationships is part of our genetic makeup. Gen. 1:26, 27.

III. The CHURCH is a Divine Community of redeemed relationships!

Church Fact 1 - God’s biggest dream factor - authentic community. John 17:11.

Church Fact 2 - The Oneness Factor - “so that they may be one as we are one.”

What does this relationship of the Trinity teach us in Scriptures? The “one another’s”.

They have an ongoing mutual admiration society that is selfless, serving and supportive of one another. This type of relationship breathes life into our souls.

In community, I experience what John Ortberg calls “fullness of heart”.

Church Fact 3 - John 17:20 – 21 – The Influence Factor - We are to influence a watching world craving authentic relationships and community…”so that the world may believe…”

Need more than casual connections – they are not life-giving.

APPLICATION:

1. Let’s stay focused at CCC on our mission…CCC exist to help everyone find an ever-deepening relationship with Christ." Fall in love with Jesus.

2. Let’s add the phrase at the end “and one another”. We need to learn to love one another…

3. Done best – Weekend Worship, small groups such as our Community Groups, Men’s Groups, Women’s Groups, Singles Groups, Young Adult Groups, High School Groups, Support groups, Ministry and Mission Groups… Find a place to be a part of a community where everyone knows your name, you do not stand alone, and most of all you learn to love as God desires us to love – “Love the Lord… love others.”

Are you living out the Real Secret of Community?