Anchor Verses:
Acts 2:42–47, Hebrews 10:24–25
Focus Statement:
God forms us in community and we drift in isolation; the Acts 2 blueprint, the “one anothers,” and Hebrews 10 call us to move from casual company to covenant community so our lives look more like Jesus.
Introduction: What We Believe
- 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Bad company corrupts good character”
- “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” — C. S. Lewis
- Not more acquaintances—more access for a few.
Why: Acts 2:42–47
- Acts 2:42-47, “42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[a]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
- Marks: Word • Table • Sharing • Prayer → Awe & Mission
- Word without Table → a lecture hall (informed but lonely).
- Table without Word → a social club (connected but shallow).
- Sharing without Prayer → a Non-Profit (busy but burn-out prone).
- Prayer without Sharing → pious talk (devout but detached).
- Outcomes: Awe & Mission
- Awe — A holy “wow”: God’s presence felt, hearts softened, “many wonders and signs” (Acts 2:43).
- Mission — Favor and fruit: credibility with outsiders and “the Lord added…daily” (Acts 2:47).
- Measure your circle by those four marks.
- Word: Do I have people who open Scripture with me and challenge me to obey it?
- Table: Do I regularly share unhurried meals with people who see my real life—not just my Sunday self?
- Sharing: Are there people who seek my help—and whose help I seek—for practical needs?
- Prayer: Do I have people who pray with me by name and check back on how God is answering?
What: The “One Anothers”:
- The One Anothers
- Approximately 15% of the NT
- You can’t obey Jesus solo (love, carry, forgive, confess).
- Pick one “one another” to practice this week (Heb 3:13 “encourage daily” is a great start).
How: Hebrews 10:24–25:
- Hebrews 10:24-25, “24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
- Gather to stir up, not just show up.
- Add access, not acquaintances; depth > width.
- Jesus had the crowds, the Twelve, and the Three (Peter, James, John).
- Practice: 1–2–3 Rule (1 table/week, 2 honest check-ins, 3 minutes praying together).
Common Objections:
- “I don’t need more friends.”
- Depth over breadth (Eccl 4:9–12; Prov 27:17).
- Story: Mark 2 Roof Team—you don’t need 200 contacts; you need four stubborn friends.
- Step: Move one relationship cordial → confessional (“How’s your heart? Where are you tempted?”).
- “I already have community.”
- Diagnostic: Do they rearrange their week, have permission to rebuke (Prov 27:6), and share tables (Acts 2)?
- Step: Aim your group at stirring up love & works (Heb 10), not just hanging out.
- “I’m too busy.”
- We schedule what shapes us (Heb 10:24–25; Matt 6:33; Eph 5:15–16).
- Diagnostic: If it isn’t on the calendar, it isn’t in my character—what discipleship rhythms are pre-blocked this week?
- You will not fall into fellowship by accident
- Step: Commit to a 6-week trial; pre-block one table + one prayer slot each week and protect it like a work appointment.
Walking it Out:
- Name your five. Who shapes you most?
- Pick your two. Who gets deeper access this fall?
- Take one step today. Join a Community Table / text one person to meet this week.
