How would you complete the sentence: “The Son of Man came…” 

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. (Luke 19:10)

The Son of Man has come eating and drinking… (Luke 7:34)

Acts chapter 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

Devoted: to be firm, persevere, remain faithful, effort that never lets up. A continual action. (προσκαρτερέω)

vs. 43 ”Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.” 

vs. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 

vs. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 

vs. 46-47 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 

Why do so few experience community?

1.  culture of independence.

IG quote: It’s easy forget that to be independent is to be distinctly non-Christian. 

2. work patterns.

3. modern conveniences.

4.  individualized forms of entertainment. 

5. the rise of social media

39% of Americans interact more online than face to face. 

“Fundamentally, technology and our use of it isn’t – as we’ve all hoped – bringing us closer together. In fact, it may be driving us farther apart, as we know more and more people, but know less and less about each of them.”

“The Christians were devoted to themselves and occasionally got to church when they had time. No one was filled with awe because there were no signs and wonders performed by the believers. Very few of the believers were together and they had almost nothing in common because they had no real time for each other. If they sold something, they used the money to buy something better for themselves. They ate on the run, kept to themselves, and were too rushed to enjoy one another or give praise to God. They claimed to love God but they didn’t really love each other and they felt very empty and alone. As a result, most people disliked them and very few people were ever saved.” 

If we want community:

1. We need to share life with others at church. 

Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” 

vs. 25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” 

2.  We need to share life with a small group of people.

Community never happens by accident. “They devoted themselves…”

Community is powerful.”The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”