Life Together: Ministry

    The Three Simple Rules of the United Methodist Church can deeply inform the way that we are in ministry in the world, if we let them.
    Rule one - do no harm. How many of our fights in the world start because we ignore this rule? We want our side and preferences to not just be made known, but to be chosen, no matter what the cost and who we hurt along the way. When we think this way it can distract us from what ministry means and the power of witness that ministry and mission can have in the world.
   Rule two - do good always. We often fight with one another because that feels safe- it is safer to fight with other people who are like me then people I do not know. But what if we took all of the effort and energy it takes to fight with one another and instead channeled that into doing good - serving others - be a servant leader? How could the world be blessed and God be honored?
    Rule three - stay in love with God. Paul is deeply invested in the Corinthian Church, because God is invested in them and Paul is concerned for the things of God. He sincerely wants them to put God first. How often do we even think about God when we are fighting with one another? Or worse, how often do we try to make God be on our side, instead of seeking after the very heart of God?
   Next time we find ourselves becoming upset - let us take time to figure out how we can engage the situation differently through the Three Simple Rules of the UMC.

"Life Together: Ministry" Devo

May 27th, 2018

“Life Together: Ministry” - 2 Cor 6: 1-13

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “We Work Together” - 2 Corinthians 6: 1

I’m never quite sure how to respond when people start telling me about “their ministry”. Part of me is thrilled that someone has discovered their calling in how to serve others and that is something that they have passion about and take ownership in.  But the other part of me sometimes worries. Because when we start to describe certain ministries as being “mine” or “Susie’s ministry” or “Jim’s ministry” we can quickly miss the point. 

For the truth is we are all in ministry together. When we engage in ministry we do so as the church, following the leading of Jesus Christ, our Savior and head. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a church filled with bitterness, bickering and divisions, to remind them that we are in ministry together. Not just Paul and those he is mentoring. Not just Paul and the Corinthians. But all believers under the authority and leadership of God. When we forget to whom ministry brings honor and glory we can forget why we are doing what we are doing in the first place.

How are ministry and grace connected?

Think of a time when you remember the Church working together to honor God. What was that experience like for you?

Prayer: Gracious God, we come together today because of you. It is you that we want to follow, Mighty God. It is you that we want to point others to through mission and ministry. It is you we want to glorify together with our brothers and sisters. Give us a common mission, Lord, and then send us out in the power of your name. Amen. 

Tuesday: “Right Time” - 2 Corinthians 6:2

We have talked before about how our English language sometime misses out on the particularity of words in other languages - because while we have one word that means many things, other languages may have many words to describe different aspects of those things. For example - the word love. In Greek there are at least 4 words for different types of love - love between spouses, love between friends, and the love of God just to name a few.

The same is true of the word time. There are at least two words to describe time. Chronos is time like what you look at on your watch or see on a calendar. It is the time we live in. But Kiros time is God’s timing. The timing that is something hard for us to understand. 

We sometimes try to meld together these two different types of time in our lives - asking why God doesn’t show up in our timing or when we want. But Paul is reminding us that the timing of God, the timing of Salvation, will arrive when it arrives. But if we are not looking for it, we could miss it. That is why Paul is passionately reminding that Church that the time of God is upon us - if only we would open up our hearts to receive it. 

How do we try to bring together calendar timing with God’s timing? What is the result?

What practices can you add to your life to appreciate and look for God’s perfect timing? 

Prayer:  Lord, we confess that we are not a patient people. Often we want what we want and when we want it. Sometimes our lack of patience shows up in the ways that we try to force your timing. Forgive us, O Lord, and help us to look for your timing and way. Amen. 

Wednesday: “Suffering” - 2 Cor 6: 3-5

Sometimes we think that because we are doing something for God - because we are trying to make God’s name known, that what we are doing should be easy. I have been in many a council meeting where an idea for ministry is brought forth only to hear “we tried that ‘x’ number of years ago. It didn’t work.” It is rare to be in a meeting representing the church where people are willing to try anything and everything, time and again, no matter what the cost, to honor and glorify God.

Paul is trying to remind the Corinthians that serving God is not always easy. In fact, he uses the lens of his own life in service to God to show just how hard it can be and just how much one can suffer for the Gospel. Paul isn’t drawing attention to his own suffering in order to bring feelings of pity. No! He is drawing attention to say “look at all I’ve went through and it was worth it”.

We need a shift from a mindset of scarcity - where we may try something once and if it doesn’t work we move on - to a mindset of abundance - we will give whatever is needed, however many times it is needed for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

How can we make the shift in mindset from scarcity to abundance?

What are you willing to give for the sake of the Gospel?

Prayer: Lord, you have given us a mission, and because it comes from you, we believe that it should be easier. We quickly give up when things prove to be harder than we imagined. Remind us, O Lord, that while the mission is sometimes hard and the road is often long, that we are seeking to honor you and your Kingdom, which is always worth it in the end. Amen. 

Thursday: “Righteousness” - 2 Corinthians 6: 6-10

I recently finished a book that was about trials along our faith journey. Two types of trails that we spoken of often were medical concerns and persecution of Christian in other countries around the world. At first, these two things may seem to have nothing in common, but the author was making the point that when we face unspeakable hardships our faith can often shine through in ways we never could have imagined. He spoke of friends who were dying of incurable diseased who turned to him and said “watch, this is how a Christian prepares to die” just as martyrs, persecuted for their faith said “watch, this is how I live and suffer for Christ”.

Paul knew what it was like to suffer for Christ, but for him suffering and living were connected hand in hand. Whether he lived or died, he knew that he was proclaiming the gospel and living a righteous life.

On the other hand, the Corinthians were spending the time they had quarreling with one another - living in ways that we would have a hard time defining as righteous. Paul is reminding them that the path to joy and abundance, is the way of the cross - which leads to life and death. Suffering and resurrection. 

Why do we desire faith to be easy?

How do you respond when something difficult happens in your life?

Prayer: Lord, you invite us along this path and while it may be trying you also remind us that you will never leave us nor forsake us. You invite us to the way of life, eternal life and abundant life, but also know that it requires death to self. Help us, Precious Lord, in each of our living moments to seek to live righteous lives, as those who are prepared to die. Amen. 

Friday: “Hearts Wide Open” - 2 Cor 6: 11-13

Why did Paul suffer? So that others, like the Corinthians may come to know the love of a Savior. He poured himself out so that they could find eternal life and follow the way of the cross. 

But Paul is also disappointed because as much as he has poured into them so that they could pour into others, they have squandered the gift - turning instead to the ease of arguing with one another instead of putting energy and effort into spread the Good News. He is pleading with them to open their hearts for others, as Paul has opened their hearts to them.

Sometimes we miss the point. Sometimes we fail to make the effort that the Gospel is worth. But we are reminded through this passage, that hope is not loss. We can repent and start again. We can put our passion into the place of making disciples of Jesus Christ. If only we choose to open our hearts wide anew. 

What does it look like for you to open your heart wide?

Prayer: God, you have given everything for us, and we have sometimes given so little in return. Crack open our stubborn hearts, O Lord, and let us love others as you have loved us. We pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Life Together: Confession and Communion” -  1 Corinthians 11: 24-27

Family Activity: What happens when you fight with siblings or friends? How does it make you feel during and after your fight? Would you rather be fighting or playing together? Why? 

“Life Together: A Day Alone”

     We are a fickle people. We make the Bible fit our needs instead of letting the Bible transform us into what is needed for the World. As a result, often when we examine Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21, it is usually only once a year, at the beginning of Lent, and we twist it into an excuse not to engage in spiritual disciplines or not to show our Christian faith in public. This is not what Jesus intended, but it is certainly what makes us the most comfortable.
      In this passage, Christ is inviting his disciples to look at the heart of the matter and not to do what has always been done, simply because it has been that way. He is certainly saying not to use our religious practises to show off, but he isn't saying to not pray in public, or what we believe is private, or we aren't to share the message of Jesus wit anyone. This is not what Jesus intended, but it is certainly what makes us the most comfortable.
      Instead, it is a call to live an examined faith life. One where we truly look at the heart of what Jesus is saying in scripture, the context, and see what that means in our world today. Which may mean that we don't hide our faith, but also that we don't use it in a hypocritical way. And maybe if that is what Jesus intends, then it certainly makes us uncomfortable.
      It is so easy to use the Bible to condemn others instead of examining our own hearts. Our bent towards denial and avoiding our own transformation is strong. Yet, this week we are invited to look into our own hearts and see how our inward and outward lives are related. May we open ourselves up to entering into the uncomfortable, and fully following after Jesus.

Life Together: A Day Alone Devotional

May 20th, 2018

Devotional

“Life Together: The Day Alone” -Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “To Draw Their Attention” - Matthew 6:1

Sometimes we get into the habit of selectively reading scripture. For example, we read the first part of Matthew 6, verse 1, “Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people” and we stop right there. We take it as a warning, if not permission to, avoid praying in public or witnessing to other people about Jesus. We fail to read on, in order to discover the true heart of what Jesus is getting at, “to draw their attention.”

Jesus was speaking to a group of people where most of their faith was practiced in front of other people - for the synagogue was the center of communal life. It wasn’t about not practicing faith in public, it was about why you were practicing your faith in public. Are you doing it to draw attention to God or to yourself?

The same could be asked of us today. If we practice our faith in public, is it to bring glory to ourselves or to God? If we make our faith an entirely private matter, is that to lift up God’s name or out of our own fear? What is the heart behind our actions and intents? 

Think of a time you selectively read scripture - what was the result?

Why do you do what you do when it comes to living out your faith? 

Prayer: Jesus, we confess that often it is out of our ambitions and desires that we choose whether to publicly practice our faith or not. We admit that at times we have twisted scripture to make it fit for our choices instead of looking at the context and intent of what you are truly saying. Forgive us, O Lord. Help us to live our lives more fully for you. Amen. 

Tuesday: “Whenever” - Matthew 6:2-4

Another way that we can sometimes twist and abuse this passage of scripture is to claim that it is telling us not to give to the poor. Notice today, the first word of verse 2. I am writing this devotional using the Common English version of the Bible, which uses the word “Whenever.” Whenever you give to the poor. The automatic assumption is that you will give to the poor, because of your faith in. God. This scripture is not meant to be an excuse not to give. 

Instead it invites us to look inside of our hearts and examine our intentions with giving. The inward state of our soul should inform our outward actions. In Bible studies before I have used the example of a teacup sitting on a saucer. As water is being poured into the cup (representing our souls) it over flows onto the saucer (how we live our lives).

If the state of our heart is centered on God, we will have a godly intent behind our actions. Returning to the example of giving to the poor - if we give because God has first blessed us, God’s name will be uplifted. But if we give because we want to bring someone down or because we want to be praised by people, then we have missed the point and our heart is not centered in the right place. 

How do you know if your heart is in the right place when it comes to giving to the poor?

If you heart is not centered on God, what are some steps you can take to bring your attention and focus back to Christ?

Prayer: Lord, we want you to be the center of our world - the beginning and the end. Speak to us anew your message that invites us to be part of your Kingdom, first in our hearts and then in your world. Strengthen us by your word and draw us closer to your presence we pray. Amen. 

Wednesday: “When You Pray” - Matthew 6: 5-6

When you pray. I love that as believers we are called to be a people of pray. We are called to give God thank and praise. Glory and honor. And we have the privilege of bringing our requite before a Holy God. Yet for the some of the disciples, they weren’t entirely sure how to pray. They had spent their lives watching others pray instead of engaging in this spiritual practice themselves. 

If you read on in Matthew chapter 6, you find that Jesus teaches his disciples the Lord’s Pray - a prayer that many of us pray both privately and publicly today. Sometimes this scripture is used as an excuse not to pray in public. But once again the question is of the heart - if you pray in publicly for the sake of looking good, we miss the point. This doesn’t mean we should never pray in public or with other people. Instead, Jesus is teaching his disciples a different way to pray then they had ever known - a way where they could come to God in the privacy of their own homes and lift their hearts up to God. 

Why do you pray to God?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you that because of you and your sacrifice on the cross, where the veil separating us from a holy God was torn, we can be in relationship with God. We thank you that because of you, teaching your disciples how to pray, we know that we have the privilege to pray to God in all times and all place. Open up our hearts to be hearts of prayer, we pray. Amen. 

Thursday: “Fasting” - Matthew 6: 16-18

Fasting is something that we don’t talk about much in our modern society. We shy away from the idea of giving something up - be it food, media, or something else that engages our time, in order to focus solely on God. But just as Jesus said when you give to the poor, he once again states when you fast - revealing the basic assumption that the disciples would fast. 

However, the disciples were encouraged to fast a different way. Often folks would distinguish themselves as fasting by what they wore or how they looked. Instead, Jesus encourages his disciples to fast in a way that other people may not know, but in secret. 

One of the big struggle with fasting is whether to tell other people or not. Different people interpret this Scripture differently. I once had a professor who fasted once a week, and during that time would not eat dinner with his family. However, I have friends who while fasting still engage in community around the dinner table, but simply drink water and tell others they are fasting, without any fan fair, in order to not draw attention to themselves by refusing food. 

Have you ever fasted? What was the experience like? 

Prayer: Lord, we know that not all spiritual disciplines are easy - especially those that ask us to change or to give something up. We confess that we sometimes rebuff at the idea of fasting because it seems too challenging, too much. Help us to embrace this spiritual discipline while figuring out how it fits into our lives in a way that draws us closer to you. Amen. 

Friday: “Heavenly Treasures” -  Matthew 6: 19-21

I think the fact that this passage of scripture is found in scripture points to the fact that the tug of war between generosity and self-preservation is age old. Part of us wants to save money “just in case” and buy things for ourselves because “we deserve it”. We get caught up in questions of what if: what if the harvest isn’t good this year? What if I get a pay cut? What if my bills increase? What if the stock market crashes? So we focus on self-preservation, letting the fear of the “what if?” block our generosity. Let me be clear - I am not telling us to be irresponsible with our money - going into debt for the Kingdom of God. Instead, I’m asking us to examine our lifestyle, live below our means, and look past the “what ifs” for the sake of the Kingdom. 

If God has given us all that we have, including the money we get from our vocation, and the offering plate belongs to God, why are we still fearful? If all of our treasures belong to God, why do we invest so much time and money into protecting them? And do we offer the same level of care and money into the work of God among us?

How does the topic of heavenly treasures relate to the previous topics of prayer? Fasting? Giving to the poor? 

How do our treasures reveal where our inward heart is through our outward actions?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for this day and for the invitation to grow closer to you everyday. As we examine our inward lives, may it reveal to us where our treasures truly are, and may we trust you to move our treasure to where you desire it to be as we grow closer to you. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Life Together: Ministry” - 2 Corinthians 6: 3-10

Family Activity: Do you like to be by yourself or with other people? Why? Can we always be by ourselves or always be with others? Why do we need both in our lives? 

Life Together: The Day with Others

  We started off this particular sermon this week by asking what the church is and why we exist. For many people, church is a building that we gather in, usually on Sunday mornings, in order to worship God. But there are a few different problems that can arise when we think about the church in this way. First the church is a place, not the people. Growing up, one of the first songs I remember learning in children's choir goes "We are the church together." and goes on to say "the church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is the people" complete with hand motions. But somewhere as we grew older, this vision of the church being the people has been replaced with the idea of the church being a particular place. Which can lead to a second issue, when the church is a location then we can choose whether to go or not. But the church is not voluntary. The church is compulsory if we believe in Jesus Christ. We are drawn together under one Lord and one baptism. If we are a believer, we are part of the church.
    Instead of seeing worship as being the church, worship instead is a particular time that informs our common life together. Here we pray as one, to have the heart of Jesus and to seek together to follow the Lordship of Christ. And if we truly worship together, not as individuals wanting our personal needs to be fulfilled, but as believers seeking to fulfill the mission and ministry of Christ, that can change us.
   What is the church to you and how does the church bind your heart to Christ?

Life Together: A Day Together Devo

January 21st, 2018

Devotional

“Life Together: The Day with Others” - Matthew 18: 15-20

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Fight Well” -Matthew 18: 15-20

For some reason, Christians do not seem to fight well. Or perhaps most humans, despite their religious affiliation, don’t know how to fight well. But, as Christians, we should know how to deal with our disagreements with brothers and sisters in the faith, because Christ gave us clear instructions. And yet…

I have two friends. Both are Godly men. The first has been taught from the time he was little that the best way to deal with conflict is to ignore it. As a result, every time we had some sort of disagreement or he was upset at me for something, he would ignore me. Sometimes for weeks on end. And at one point in college, for an entire year. It was perhaps one of the most painful times in my life. Having someone so dear to me, ignore me, and refuse to tell me what I had done or said to prompt such a reaction. Ignoring conflict, actually only generated more suffering for both of us.

My other friend and I found that we both had the opposite approach to conflict. We wanted to lay it all out on the table and then sift through the verbal wreckage. This was equally as unhealthy as ignoring each other. But through time, we learned how to fight well. We would pull each other aside, if something was said or done that would hurt us. We would ask to speak privately later. At that point in time we would explain in an even tone, what happened and how it had affected us. The other person just listened. Sometimes they would respond, explaining their side of the event, but we always left covenanting to try harder next time.

How do you approach conflict naturally?

How do you think Christ calls us to approach conflict in the body of Christ?

Prayer: God, we acknowledge that even though we want to follow you, sometimes we way we behave when we disagree does not proclaim your Lordship or light in this world. Instead, we let the darkness overcome us. Teach us this week how to handle conflict with our brothers and sisters in the faith, and let the way we approach disagreements transform us and transform the world. Amen. 

Tuesday: “Conflict” - Matthew 18: 15-20

Jesus’ advice to the disciples about how to deal with conflict say a lot without the need for words. For some deep truths lie in the assumptions behind what is being said. First, we have not learned how to fight well as a people. We have been raised in ways that impact how we interact with other people, especially when we become upset about something. For most of us, dealing with conflict has become our personal baggage. We have been abused, verbally, psychologically, or physically (sometimes without even really being able to identify it as such) and sometimes in our attempts to not replicate those patterns we do more harm then good. In order to avoid fighting with a person, out of fear of what may come of it, we ignore conflict completely and label it to be something bad.

How do you discern what conflict can be ignore and what conflict needs to be addressed?

Prayer: Lord, we confess that sometimes the way we handle conflict is to ignore it - when that is not what you call us to. And other times, we jump right in, letting our words become like daggers, which is not what you call us to either. Give us a spirit of discernment in how to address conflict in a way that honors you at all times and in all situations. Amen. 

Wednesday: “What is Precious” - Matthew 18: 15-20

The second assumption about how Jesus deals with conflict is that conflict in and of itself is not a sin, but it can lead us to sin. And even those times when someone sins against you in such a way that leads to arguments or fighting, God can redeem both the sin and its results. Conflict is a time when we can truly learn from each other. It is also one of the most revealing ways to learn about someone’s beliefs and character. For example, the reason my second friend (see Monday’s devotional) and I decided to learn to fight better was because of a realization we stumbled upon – we fight over what is precious to us. Often we assume that the other person we are engaged in conflict with knows deep truths about us that they often do not or that they understand the true meaning behind what matters to us and handle it with the same care that we do. 

When we realized that we fight over what is precious to each of us, we began to treat it as such. We also saw it as a holy moment – a time when someone who truly cares about our walk with God, can come along side us and speak truth into the dark places in our lives. When we stumbled into sin against another human being we were in relationship with, we needed that to be pointed out to us with love and grace.

Think about times of conflict in your life. What did that situation reveal about you? What did it reveal about the other involved?

Prayer: Lord, today we ask that you break open any hardness in our heart that would lead us to sin because of conflict. Open up the eyes of our hearts so we can see the situation as others may see it. Help us to walk in others shoes. Give us a spirit of vulnerability and a spirit of openness to seek a resolution that lifts up your Kingdom and name. Amen. 

Thursday: “The Church of Jesus Christ” - Matthew 18: 15-20

We are the church of Jesus Christ here on earth, today. Our relationships with each other should reflect this very truth. I think Jesus realized that as imperfect people there are going to be times when we screw up – when we don’t treat each other, as we should. When we gossip or lie about one another. When we share secretes that we shouldn’t. When we become angry about something that is said to us, by a person who may not understand the full impact their words have on our lives. But Jesus’ knows that we are called to be better then this – that he has given us the opportunity and the instructions on how to resolve conflict in such a way that brings honor and glory to the kingdom of God!

To Christ, each and every one of us matters. Each person who has ever walked this earth and who will come after us have value that is boundless. We need to be in the types of relationship with each other that show this to the world. We need to have relationships with our colleagues and the people that we meet on the street that reflects this. To Christ, none of us has the right to claim superiority over another.

How would you treat others differently if you saw them as someone who is precious to Jesus?

What does it mean to be the Church of Jesus Christ?

Prayer: Lord, help us to see the importance of being in relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Allow us to also see how our conflict with one another can bring harm to you. Let us live into what it means to seek you first and foremost in our lives and not to allow our conflict to become a distraction to following your call on our lives. Amen. 

Friday: “Dos and Do Nots” - Matthew 18: 15-20

So what does such a relationship that shines Christ’s love look like – when we have a problem with someone else in the church? If someone has done something to hurt you, you are to humbly pull them aside after praying about the situation. You are to talk to this person alone, and explain what the fault was as you understood or experienced it. If the person responds asking for forgiveness, you reconcile and move on. But if the person you sought to reconcile with refuses to listen, you bring another person into the conversation. A wise, neutral member of the body of Christ, so they can confirm what is being said and listen and respond with fresh insight. If your brother or sister still refuses to listen, then you bring the matter before the entire gathering.

Let us pause and take a moment to examine what Jesus is not telling us to do: Jesus is not telling us to approach the one who has sinned against us in such a way that alienates them. We are not to approach them yelling or cursing. We are not to discuss the matter with others before we approach them. We are not to enter into this time of reconciliation and healing in order to prove that we are right. We are simply entering into a space to be heard in such a way that may prompt future understanding.

We are the body of Christ on this earth to bring glory to the Kingdom of God by the grace of the Holy Spirit! Sometimes we let the pettiness of conflict consume us in such a way that fighting becomes what we identify church with, instead of this Triune reality. May we strive to be in better relationship with each other and with the world. May we take Jesus’ words to heart and make them our credo to live by in times of conflict. And in all circumstances, may we look to Christ, the one who has brought us together, to lead us to become the people we are intended to be – the people he sees us as, people of worth beyond measure.

Have you ever tried approaching someone you are in conflict with as Christ instructs? Why or why not?

Prayer: Lord, next time we are in conflict, may we turn to your way and your word for guidance. Instead of reacting with our words and actions, may we first pray to you for wisdom and seek to see our brothers and sisters as those who are worthy of being treated with respect, even when we disagree. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Life Together: The Day Alone” - Matthew 6:6

Family Activity: Talk about bullies. When someone bullies you and others in school what do you do? Does it work? Is this similar or different to what you do when you fight with a friend? Why?

Life Together: Community

   One of the ways that I think we have distorted Christian community is around sin. While we should certainly want to love one another into places of confession and seeking forgiveness in Christ, Bonhoffer reminds us that a sinning brother is still a brother, yet sometimes we lose that. We make pointing out others sin more about making ourselves feel better, than about nurturing and loving another. We lose sight of the log in our own eye as we point out the speck in another.  And thus we can drive others away from the community they, and we, need the most.

Life Together: Community Devo

May 6th, 2018

Devotional 

“Life Together: Community” -Hebrews 10: 16-25

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Meet Together” - Acts 2: 42-47, Hebrews 10: 24-25

A brief history lesson - when John Wesley started the Methodist movement in England, one of the key pieces for spiritual groups were small groups. These groups were called classes and were the predecessor to the modern day Sunday School, small groups, and cell groups. The idea behind such gatherings that it was here, in the company of no more than eleven other people, that people would become empowered to be disciples. These neighborhood groups had a leader, picked for their spiritual maturity, who would lead people through questions as well as celebration and confession. 

Perhaps the original small group can be found in the book of Acts, were followers devoted themselves to the teachings of Jesus. We do this different ways. For most people, the extent of family development and Christian Education is limited to the worship hour on Sunday morning. This is understandable. We are busy people in a chaotic world with over-crowded schedules. But for the early apostles, what was preached publicly was different then what was taught. Preaching was meant to give people the basics of Christian teaching and living, the teaching was studying together more deeply the word of God. Its in this teaching and studying time that the disciples were constantly reminded who they were as Christ followers and held each other accountable to the standards of Christian living. For our faith is something that we continually grow into and live out of. The earliest disciples understood this. Apart from continually learning, one could not grow in faith. Its through study that we can become more faithful followers of Christ, because we know what Christ requires of us and we are surrounded by others who hold us accountable. 

What are some of the ways that we meet together as believers today?

What is the purpose of our meeting together?

Prayer: Loving God, we ask that you renew in us a desire to meet together. And when we meet together, may we encourage one another to continually grow in the faith so that we can fall deeper in love with Jesus, every day. 

Tuesday: “Fellowship” - Acts 2: 42-47, Hebrews 10: 24-25

Second, the followers were in fellowship together. At this time in the life of the church, the Holy Spirit is drawing together people from every nation and tongue, people who prior to their conversion would not have fellowshiped together. What made their fellowship even more remarkable was that it was not simply brotherly and sisterly love, rather it was a fellowship that was marked by wonders and signs, which included the selling of possessions in order to meet the needs of others. The fellowship didn’t exist solely for itself, it existed to reach out in love. It existed for something beyond itself. This wasn’t a community that held possessions with the idea of this is “mine” or this is “yours” and this is “ours”. Rather all was truly God’s and was to be used for the mission of Jesus Christ to give God the glory.

How do we fellowship tighter today?

Prayer:  Lord, we confess that sometimes we neglect meeting together for fellowship and worship. We also confess that those times when we do come together, we have made it about us at times, having our needs met, instead of about you. Forgive us, we pray. Amen. 

Wednesday: “Eat Together” - Acts 2: 42-47 and Hebrews 10: 24-25

Third, they broke bread together. The breaking of bread can mean two different things. It could be sharing in meals together, around the table, or it could be the celebrating of the Eucharist. Or perhaps Luke, the author of Acts, means it to be both. Gathering around the dinner table is an intimate time, and often leads to people being excluded. The table is a place to talk about the events of the day, to share our deepest hearts, and to feast on what has been provided. In the ancient world, table fellowship was reserved for family and dear friends, and clear lines were drawn between those who were invited to the table and those who were not. Think back to the gospels and how many times Jesus created controversy around who he chose to dine with. For Jesus there was a place at the table for everyone, and the early church upheld this teaching. Here all were counted as close friends, and social barriers were broken. All ate of the same food, showing their unity. And when they partook they did so with glad and generous hearts, praising God for what had been provided. 

How often do we eat together?

What are different ways we share the blessings of God’s bounty together? 

Prayer: Lord, we are so thankful that you are the God of community that draws us together. May we, like the early church, finds ways to continually meet together. Let us not give in, as in the book of Hebrews, to not gathering with regularity. Instead, may we be a community marked by your love. Amen. 

Thursday: “Pray Together” - Acts 2: 42-47 and Hebrews 10: 24-25

Lastly, the people of Christ were marked by their prayers. The believers taught each other how to pray, and did so without ceasing. They prayed for people they did not know. They prayed for each other. And they prayed with each other. 

  Perhaps one of the most powerful marks of the community of Christ is this ability to pray for and with each other. To authentically lift each other before the throne of grace and be vulnerable enough to share the joys and concerns of our hearts. To pray for those whom we may not even know, but to do so as a mark of our deep care for them. 

Do we pray together? Why or any not?

Prayer: Lord, help us to reclaim the desire to pray not just for one another, but with one another. Let us be on our knees, continually, as this community. Let us be a people of prayer. Amen. 

Friday: “Church as Community” - Acts 2: 42-47 and Hebrews 10: 16-25

For the early Methodist this is why classes, or small groups, were formed. Groups of 8-10 people who looked after each other. Prayed for each other, both when they were together and apart. And asked each other “how is it with your soul?” and expected a truthful answer. It was the place where they lived into the scripture from Hebrews, spurring one another one towards love and good deeds. They shared food together. Learned together. Who are the people in your small group? Those whom you can grow in Christ’s love with? If you don’t have such a group of people, where can you look for one? Who are people you can invite into your faith journey in an intentional way and grow with every week?

  Church is more then something that we attend once a week or a place that we go to. Church is being the body of Christ where we share in a common life together, a place where we sharpen one another. It is a new type of family. A family that learns, prays, laughs, fellowships, eats, and grows together. Let us live into the gift of small groups in our lives. 

What does the church mean to you?

How is the church a community?

Prayer: God, we simply say thank you today. Thank you for the gift of the community of the church. Thank you for the gift of other believers. Thank you for the way that we are supported and the way that we can support others. Let us never taken that which you have given us for granted. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Life Together: The Day with Others” - Matthew 18: 20

Family Activity: Talk about friendships. Who are your best friends? Why are they your friends? How can we be friends with one another in the church? 

Life Together: Community Devo

May 6th, 2018

Devotional 

“Life Together: Community” -Hebrews 10: 16-25

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Meet Together” - Acts 2: 42-47, Hebrews 10: 24-25

A brief history lesson - when John Wesley started the Methodist movement in England, one of the key pieces for spiritual groups were small groups. These groups were called classes and were the predecessor to the modern day Sunday School, small groups, and cell groups. The idea behind such gatherings that it was here, in the company of no more than eleven other people, that people would become empowered to be disciples. These neighborhood groups had a leader, picked for their spiritual maturity, who would lead people through questions as well as celebration and confession. 

Perhaps the original small group can be found in the book of Acts, were followers devoted themselves to the teachings of Jesus. We do this different ways. For most people, the extent of family development and Christian Education is limited to the worship hour on Sunday morning. This is understandable. We are busy people in a chaotic world with over-crowded schedules. But for the early apostles, what was preached publicly was different then what was taught. Preaching was meant to give people the basics of Christian teaching and living, the teaching was studying together more deeply the word of God. Its in this teaching and studying time that the disciples were constantly reminded who they were as Christ followers and held each other accountable to the standards of Christian living. For our faith is something that we continually grow into and live out of. The earliest disciples understood this. Apart from continually learning, one could not grow in faith. Its through study that we can become more faithful followers of Christ, because we know what Christ requires of us and we are surrounded by others who hold us accountable. 

What are some of the ways that we meet together as believers today?

What is the purpose of our meeting together?

Prayer: Loving God, we ask that you renew in us a desire to meet together. And when we meet together, may we encourage one another to continually grow in the faith so that we can fall deeper in love with Jesus, every day. 

Tuesday: “Fellowship” - Acts 2: 42-47, Hebrews 10: 24-25

Second, the followers were in fellowship together. At this time in the life of the church, the Holy Spirit is drawing together people from every nation and tongue, people who prior to their conversion would not have fellowshiped together. What made their fellowship even more remarkable was that it was not simply brotherly and sisterly love, rather it was a fellowship that was marked by wonders and signs, which included the selling of possessions in order to meet the needs of others. The fellowship didn’t exist solely for itself, it existed to reach out in love. It existed for something beyond itself. This wasn’t a community that held possessions with the idea of this is “mine” or this is “yours” and this is “ours”. Rather all was truly God’s and was to be used for the mission of Jesus Christ to give God the glory.

How do we fellowship tighter today?

Prayer:  Lord, we confess that sometimes we neglect meeting together for fellowship and worship. We also confess that those times when we do come together, we have made it about us at times, having our needs met, instead of about you. Forgive us, we pray. Amen. 

Wednesday: “Eat Together” - Acts 2: 42-47 and Hebrews 10: 24-25

Third, they broke bread together. The breaking of bread can mean two different things. It could be sharing in meals together, around the table, or it could be the celebrating of the Eucharist. Or perhaps Luke, the author of Acts, means it to be both. Gathering around the dinner table is an intimate time, and often leads to people being excluded. The table is a place to talk about the events of the day, to share our deepest hearts, and to feast on what has been provided. In the ancient world, table fellowship was reserved for family and dear friends, and clear lines were drawn between those who were invited to the table and those who were not. Think back to the gospels and how many times Jesus created controversy around who he chose to dine with. For Jesus there was a place at the table for everyone, and the early church upheld this teaching. Here all were counted as close friends, and social barriers were broken. All ate of the same food, showing their unity. And when they partook they did so with glad and generous hearts, praising God for what had been provided. 

How often do we eat together?

What are different ways we share the blessings of God’s bounty together? 

Prayer: Lord, we are so thankful that you are the God of community that draws us together. May we, like the early church, finds ways to continually meet together. Let us not give in, as in the book of Hebrews, to not gathering with regularity. Instead, may we be a community marked by your love. Amen. 

Thursday: “Pray Together” - Acts 2: 42-47 and Hebrews 10: 24-25

Lastly, the people of Christ were marked by their prayers. The believers taught each other how to pray, and did so without ceasing. They prayed for people they did not know. They prayed for each other. And they prayed with each other. 

  Perhaps one of the most powerful marks of the community of Christ is this ability to pray for and with each other. To authentically lift each other before the throne of grace and be vulnerable enough to share the joys and concerns of our hearts. To pray for those whom we may not even know, but to do so as a mark of our deep care for them. 

Do we pray together? Why or any not?

Prayer: Lord, help us to reclaim the desire to pray not just for one another, but with one another. Let us be on our knees, continually, as this community. Let us be a people of prayer. Amen. 

Friday: “Church as Community” - Acts 2: 42-47 and Hebrews 10: 16-25

For the early Methodist this is why classes, or small groups, were formed. Groups of 8-10 people who looked after each other. Prayed for each other, both when they were together and apart. And asked each other “how is it with your soul?” and expected a truthful answer. It was the place where they lived into the scripture from Hebrews, spurring one another one towards love and good deeds. They shared food together. Learned together. Who are the people in your small group? Those whom you can grow in Christ’s love with? If you don’t have such a group of people, where can you look for one? Who are people you can invite into your faith journey in an intentional way and grow with every week?

  Church is more then something that we attend once a week or a place that we go to. Church is being the body of Christ where we share in a common life together, a place where we sharpen one another. It is a new type of family. A family that learns, prays, laughs, fellowships, eats, and grows together. Let us live into the gift of small groups in our lives. 

What does the church mean to you?

How is the church a community?

Prayer: God, we simply say thank you today. Thank you for the gift of the community of the church. Thank you for the gift of other believers. Thank you for the way that we are supported and the way that we can support others. Let us never taken that which you have given us for granted. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Life Together: The Day with Others” - Matthew 18: 20

Family Activity: Talk about friendships. Who are your best friends? Why are they your friends? How can we be friends with one another in the church?