Daniel Rose: The Pastor Next Door

We're wrapping up our series on spiritual practices, and today we're diving into the essential practice of community. While many of us here understand its importance, it's worth exploring why it's so crucial.

The Myth of Lone Ranger Christianity

American Christianity often emphasizes individualism—"me and Jesus." But this "Lone Ranger" approach isn't biblical. It stems, in part, from the Second Great Awakening and figures like Charles Finney, who promoted an individualistic gospel.

Historically, joining the church was a communal process, a deep commitment to the body of Christ. However, the modern focus on individual decisions has led to a disconnect from the importance of community.

Scriptural Foundation: Acts 2:42-47

Let's look at Acts 2:42-47: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 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."

Devotion: A Daily Choice

Notice the word "devoted." It signifies an active, ongoing choice. Just like love in marriage, devotion to community is a daily decision.

They devoted themselves to:

• Apostles' teaching: Growing in God's Word.
• Fellowship (Koinonia): Deep, meaningful relationships.
• Breaking of bread: Practicing the Lord's Supper.
• Prayer: Communing with God.

True Fellowship: Beyond Surface Interactions

Fellowship isn't just attending church or social events. It's doing life together, sharing burdens, and celebrating joys.

The early church shared everything, ensuring no one was in need. While we may not replicate that exactly, the principle remains: we should leverage our gifts and resources to support each other.

The Challenge: Vulnerability and Invitation

Many of us struggle to ask for help, fearing we'll burden others. But the church exists to support us.

• Are we inviting others into our lives?
• Are we willing to be vulnerable?

We often prefer others to need us, but we hesitate to reveal our own needs. This one way street breaks down community.

Living Life Together: Beyond Sunday Mornings

The early church met daily, sharing meals and spending time together. In our modern, isolated world, we must be intentional about connecting beyond formal church events.

Our culture promotes isolation: attached garages, air conditioning, and busy schedules. We must push back against this trend.

Preparing for Storms: The Purpose of Community

Spiritual practices prepare us for life's storms. By practicing community when life is good, we'll be more likely to lean on each other when times are tough.

Jesus warned his followers of persecution. They needed community to endure. We need it too.

Your Challenge This Week:

• Are you devoting yourself to fellowship?
• Are you both giving and receiving in your relationships?
• When life gets hard, do you invite others in?

Don't rob your brothers and sisters of the joy of serving you. Let them share in your joys and sorrows.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us be a people devoted to fellowship. Open our lives to one another, and help us bear each other's burdens. In Jesus' name, Amen

Life throws storms our way, and we need to be prepared. We've been exploring spiritual practices to build a strong foundation, like Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Last week, we talked about fasting, a practice of abstinence. This week, we're shifting to a practice of engagement: serving.

The Warning: Don't Display Your Righteousness

In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus says, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Jesus warns against displaying our righteousness. Why? Because true righteousness isn't about showing off; it's about genuine service.

The Problem: Hypocrisy

Jesus uses the word "hypocrite," which means "actor." Are we play-acting at righteousness? Are we putting on a show, or is our service genuine?

Our righteousness comes from Christ. It's a gift of grace. If we're just pretending, we don't truly have His righteousness. That's a sobering thought.

The Call: Quiet, Faithful Service

Jesus calls us to serve quietly and intentionally. He uses the metaphor of not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing. It's about being intentional in our service, doing it without seeking recognition.

We are made righteous by Christ, and our service should flow from that. As James says, "Pure and undefiled religion is caring for the widows and orphans."

The Example: "A Few Good Men"

Think of the movie "A Few Good Men." The characters are challenged to protect those who can't protect themselves. That's what Jesus is calling us to do.

He doesn't qualify who deserves our help. He simply says, "When you give to the needy." We are to serve because it's who we are, not because someone is worthy.

The Benefit: Joy and Acceptance

Serving others brings joy, and it also allows us to receive help when we need it. When we serve, we understand the joy of receiving help, and we can accept it when it's offered to us.

Your Challenge:

1. Are you serving? Are you intentionally caring for those in need?
2. Are you serving in secret? Or are you seeking recognition?

"Needy" isn't just about financial need. It can be relational, emotional, or social. It's about those on the fringes, those who can't help themselves.

Practical Ways to Serve:

• Have coffee with someone lonely.
• Invite a neighbor to dinner.
• Offer a listening ear.

Serving isn't always about grand gestures. It's about loving well.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us serve out of the righteousness you've given us. Keep us from hypocrisy, and help us serve quietly and faithfully. May we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." In Jesus' name, Amen.