Welcome to “Going Deeper with the Word.” In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God. The Word of God provides guidance, direction, and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.
Today, we examine how God’s Word provides clear guidance and direction about the influence and power of faith and community.
Let’s review examples of God’s Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today’s message. I will read scripture today from the Amplified Bible.
If you are watching this message online, we invite you to share your comments as we review each verse.
Here is our first verse.
and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
In this verse, apostle Paul explains the importance of encouraging one another. I’d like to call out his direct mention of showing others in our community what to do in the world – namely – show love and do good deeds. He adds emphasis on the importance of actually meeting with each other. In today’s day and age with online meetings and limitless options for communication, there are ample opportunities to meet with others in a community in real time. With current technologies available, distance is no longer a barrier to faith communities meeting in real time for support and worship.
Question: Are you part of a faith community? If yes, how often do you meet and how do you meet? Online? In person? Do you have a preference for how you meet? If so, explain why. If you are not part of a faith community, what steps can you take this week to find one? Let us know in the comments.
Let’s have a look at another verse.
But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God]. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20
In this verse, apostle Paul outlines the importance of believers acting as ambassadors for Christ. As ambassadors, we are to go out into the world to inform others of the good news of Christ and introduce them to Him. God will use us as a vessel to inform others who are unaware of Him and are living in the world, just as all of us were at one stage in our lives. This is incredibly important work to not only transform the lives of others but also to grow God’s kingdom.
Question: Do you remember the time and place that you were first introduced to or informed about Jesus? If yes, describe the circumstances that led up to the event. Looking back, how did you feel the timing of this information has affected your life from that day forward?
Let’s look at one last verse.
But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
In this verse, Jesus explains that we as believers will be His witnesses – not just in our social circles, communities, or towns – but to the ends of the earth. The message is quite clear and has powerful implications for communities of faith. As believers, we can and should play a role in sharing God’s message with the entire earth. We have an important role to play in sharing God’s message through His Word, so that they may also know Him and His son, Jesus.
Question: Do you actively take part in any activity that helps to grow God’s kingdom? If yes, describe the activity and the impact it has had on you and your walk of faith. If not, what can you ask God in prayer today to equip you with the tools and resources to grow His kingdom?
A community of faith is an important resource for anyone who seeks to live a life of faith. We are not meant to live out our lives alone. Some instruction and guidance can only come from others, so we must allow ourselves to be in an environment where we can receive this divine instruction.
Do you belong to a faith community? If not, what steps can you take to seek one out? Allow God to use you to bless others and be part of a body of believers that can support one another and do God’s work in the world. This community can be a source of wisdom and influence in your life as well.
Thank you for your time in reviewing these verses with me today. Please be sure to share in the comments how these or other examples of God’s Word have helped you to learn about the power of faith and community.
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Thank you for the opportunity to share encouragement. Here @walkinginstepwithGod we truly appreciate your support. We are fully committed to Christ and the community. We invite you to join us in fellowship and to seek opportunities for fellowship in your local community as well.
Have an amazing week, and we will catch you next time.
Bless you.
