“Be Refreshed” Sermon Series - Part 3

God refreshes us not only through rest, but through relationships.

God Designed us to be refreshed through community.

Romans 15:31-32

Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.

Acts 28:15

The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.

Being refreshed in community requires participation.

Hebrews 10:24–25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…

You can't experience encouragement from people you never see.

1 Corinthians 12:12,21,27 12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ...21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”...27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

You might not need a crowd, but you still need a community.

Community isn't refreshing if everyone is pretending.

When was the last time you were honest with someone about where you really are: your fears, your grief, your struggles, your sins?

Psalm 133:1-3 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Being refreshed in Community Requires Participation.
Being refreshed in Community Requires Being Real.
Being refreshed in community requires being intentional.

 Acts 2:46-47. 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.

Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

:::RESPONSE:::

Simple Ways to Start

1. Commit to being at church regularly You can't build relationships if you're only here occasionally. Set that alarm. Go to bed at a decent time on Saturday night. Block off your availability in your work schedule (and honestly, watch how God honors that and provides for you). Make being here on Sundays a priority. 

2. Join a small group Small groups are where church becomes family. Where you have the opportunity to go deep with people. If you aren’t in a small group, it’s not to late to jump into one. 

3. Show up to things: Worship nights. Outreaches. Church gatherings. Consistency creates connection!

Go Deeper

• Invite someone to lunch after church.

• Host a game night.

• Pray for someone different each day and text them you’re praying for them. 

• Use your gifts to encourage someone. 

• Serve in ministry.