Together

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
-Romans 12:10

Growing up in my church, the word "fellowship" meant some sort of post-worship-service gathering that involved food and coffee. And that was about it. It seemed pointless then; but looking back, I can see how important those times were. A church is a family made up of different types of people. And the only way such a diverse group can become a real family--and not just a crowd--is by spending time together.
This week we'll see the members of the early Church giving money to one another, sharing their possessions, and taking care of each other. This is what a real church family is supposed to look like. But how do we get there?
In every church God wants to build something called "community," the sense that we're all connected in a real way. Serving each other, helping, loving, and giving are all ways we express real community. Believe it or not, this can be the most exciting and life-changing aspect of your church experience. But community isn't easy to come by. It takes a deliberate choice to be a part of the people of God. Once you join, the benefits are endless. This week we're going to look at how to build real community in our own churches.

Read Acts 4:32-37

Sharing isn't natural. No one has to teach a child to be selfish with his toys. That trait just comes naturally to him. But it applies to teenagers and adults as well. So how do you figure 3,000 people voluntarily selling their possessions to help other people? When the Spirit of God moves, we discover how the Spirit provides all we need--including a family of parents, brothers, and sisters to help us through life. Recognizing God's provision, Barnabas gladly chose to sell his land to aid the church. Would you be willing to do the same with your stuff?

Our culture is selfish; it's time we challenged the status quo by loving each other sacrificially.

Do you believe God will provide all you need--even when you help others?

Do you truly love the people in your church?

What are some ways you can serve the people in your church this week?

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Taken from "Community" Student Life, copyright 2008 Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission.