PDL 19

The Video
Cultivating community: you should discuss with your group, as it is so rare. Small groups often have problems because they want to "make nice." You have to go thru the "tunnel of conflict" in order to have true fellowship.

The Audio
we believe we will be happy if we have independence. God says interdependence. Community is not optional. You cannot do it by yourself, you need one another. The greatest lesson in life is learning how to love.
1. You need others to walk with me. Work in wisdom, love, life, the spirit, etc... You were never meant to walk alone. Why?
   A. It’s safer
   B. Its supportive- when you run alone, you run Fast; when you run together you run Far.
   C. It’s smarter - we have to learn compromise. God hates loneliness. Everyone has a "longing for belonging."
2. You need others to work with you. Before we were even born God decided what gifts you would have. When you use your gifts you are doing what God put you here for. Two people are better than one because they get more done and it’s more fun!  Together we can make a difference. Everybody has a little part to play (in heaven).

Every time we get the chance let us work for the good of all. Look out for one another’s interests, not just your own. We need to watch out for each other. Pastor Rick was reading a report about 9/11 that said, in part "...we learned about an enemy that is sophisticated, patient, disciplined and lethal..." Just like Satan, who is your personal enemy who hates your guts, wants to hurt you, waste your days in shame, worry, guilt, and depression. His hatred of you is lethal. Is anybody watching your back?
4. We need others to wait and weep with us. (Wait for the bad news and weep when we get it). God’s safety net: you need a group of three or four people to support and pray for you. If one member suffers all suffer together. Community is Gods answer to despair.
5. We need others to witness with us. John 13 "...your love for one another will prove you are my disciples..." 2 Tim 1:17 "...to love and enjoy being with other people..."
Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you? Gods answer to fear is community.

"When you gather together, each one of you should be prepared with something for everyone; sing, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight...that way you all hear from each other."

The Book
Community requires commitment. Paul wrote, "I am writing these things to you... (So) you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is church."
You have to care enough to lovingly speak the truth. Often we know what needs to be said to someone, but our fears prevent us from saying anything. Solomon said, "An honest answer is a sign of true friendship." When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself."

Real fellowship depends on frankness. The bible says, "In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery." Frankness is not a license to say anything you want, it is not rudeness, and there is a right time and a right way to do everything." The bible says, "Clothe you with humility toward one another..."

Live in harmony with each other. Don’t try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think that you know it all!"

Courtesy is respecting our differences, being considerate of each other’s feelings, and being patient with people who irritate us. The truth I s we all have quirks and annoying traits. The basis for our fellowship is our relationship to God: We are family. Another part of courtesy is not downplaying other people’s doubts.

Confidentiality means that what is shared in your group needs to stay in your group. You must have frequent, regular contact with your group, to build deep relationships. If you are a member of a small group, I urge you to make a group covenant that includes the nine characteristics of biblical fellowship. (Sorry guys, there is just No Way I’m going to type all them, there all in the book. If you don’t have the book have someone read them to you. They are important, but l-o-n-g!).

Debi. :o)