WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.880 Well, amen. Have you been blessed by the service so far this morning? I know I have as well. 00:00:12.740 --> 00:00:17.500 Look down in the seat next to you. You might be blessed a little bit more. There's candy, okay? 00:00:18.260 --> 00:00:22.219 The GA is the Girls in Action on Wednesday night. It's part of our kids' ministry. 00:00:22.699 --> 00:00:26.460 Just left that as a little treat for you. So anybody like sour gummy worms? 00:00:26.900 --> 00:00:28.900 Right there. First one up. There you go. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.840 I don't have any more. It's not that kind of service, all right? I'm not Santa Claus. 00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:41.560 Let's go to the Book of Acts, please. We're continuing on with our sermon series on community, 00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:47.280 talking about how we can learn some lessons from the early church back in the Book of Acts. 00:00:48.039 --> 00:00:53.120 By the way, if your kids haven't gone back to Children's Church, you can do that. 00:00:53.200 --> 00:00:55.840 Slip out any time here. They're ready for them back there. 00:00:55.840 --> 00:01:02.860 This is our third sermon in this series, and we kind of started out a couple weeks ago 00:01:02.860 --> 00:01:06.060 talking about how we study truth together. 00:01:06.500 --> 00:01:10.780 Four primary ingredients we've been starting out. 00:01:11.079 --> 00:01:14.159 Two weeks ago, we covered the first one. Last week, the second one. 00:01:14.219 --> 00:01:16.620 We're looking at the third one today. We'll conclude it next Sunday. 00:01:16.620 --> 00:01:24.460 And these are four key ingredients we find from Acts chapter 2 in our study of how the early church, 00:01:24.880 --> 00:01:30.800 kind of the first church that was established by Jesus, how it thrived, how it took off, 00:01:30.900 --> 00:01:36.939 how it really grew into the missional organization and almost organism 00:01:36.939 --> 00:01:43.900 that was alive, living, breathing, and powerfully moving across the world. 00:01:43.900 --> 00:01:53.680 How did all of that happen? And how many centuries later can our church be the same kind of church 00:01:53.680 --> 00:01:57.100 as those early churches in the Book of Acts? 00:01:57.200 --> 00:02:02.160 So, we study truth together. That's one of the key ingredients that they did. 00:02:02.500 --> 00:02:04.520 And our takeaway from that Sunday was, 00:02:04.900 --> 00:02:10.900 will I commit to grow with my church community in studying truth together? 00:02:10.900 --> 00:02:13.740 Together. Our dGroups are launching this week. 00:02:14.180 --> 00:02:17.280 All right? Today's the day that we've been looking forward to for quite some time 00:02:17.280 --> 00:02:21.719 in the launch of our discipleship groups that are meeting throughout the week. 00:02:21.840 --> 00:02:27.379 And that's going to be one of the key ingredients of our groups is studying truth together. 00:02:27.540 --> 00:02:30.259 Last Sunday, we talked about koinonia, 00:02:31.460 --> 00:02:34.180 that fascinating Greek word that means fellowship. 00:02:34.439 --> 00:02:37.840 All right? And we talked about what that looks like in Christian community. 00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:41.400 What does fellowship look like? And our takeaway last Sunday was, 00:02:41.620 --> 00:02:46.420 will I commit to partner with my church community in fellowship together? 00:02:46.719 --> 00:02:51.259 Today, we are going to look at the third ingredient. 00:02:51.539 --> 00:02:53.300 And I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag yet, 00:02:53.819 --> 00:02:55.420 but we'll get there in just a moment. 00:02:55.780 --> 00:02:56.860 Reminds you of this quote, 00:02:56.980 --> 00:03:00.680 the church is the church only when it exists for others. 00:03:00.740 --> 00:03:02.219 Let's try to read it together, can we? 00:03:02.219 --> 00:03:07.979 The church is the church only when it exists for others. 00:03:08.120 --> 00:03:10.400 Because the church is not about us. 00:03:10.840 --> 00:03:11.979 It's about God. 00:03:12.579 --> 00:03:16.919 And God's heart is for those who are not yet in his kingdom. 00:03:17.060 --> 00:03:19.340 He wants all of his children brought in. 00:03:19.960 --> 00:03:22.479 So the church is for, it's not about me. 00:03:22.819 --> 00:03:24.599 It's about my brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:03:24.599 --> 00:03:29.979 And it's about those outside these walls who God wants to bring in to our fellowship, 00:03:30.259 --> 00:03:32.019 bring in to our community. 00:03:32.019 --> 00:03:37.139 So we have to remember that that is a principle that God wants us to understand. 00:03:37.639 --> 00:03:41.379 Acts 2.42, can I trouble you to stand one more time? 00:03:41.819 --> 00:03:43.780 I'll promise I'll leave you seated after that. 00:03:43.859 --> 00:03:46.039 Let's stand together as we read God's word together. 00:03:46.439 --> 00:03:49.000 Acts 2.42, I'm reading from the New Living Translation. 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:55.680 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, 00:03:55.840 --> 00:03:59.280 to fellowship, to sharing in meals, including the Lord's Supper, 00:03:59.599 --> 00:04:00.879 and to prayer. 00:04:01.240 --> 00:04:04.099 A deep sense of awe came over them all. 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:08.120 And the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 00:04:08.759 --> 00:04:13.060 All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 00:04:13.560 --> 00:04:14.879 Amazing picture, isn't it? 00:04:14.879 --> 00:04:19.319 They sold their properties and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 00:04:19.319 --> 00:04:21.920 They worshiped together at the temple each day, 00:04:22.019 --> 00:04:23.939 met in homes for the Lord's Supper, 00:04:24.060 --> 00:04:28.439 and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. 00:04:28.719 --> 00:04:34.439 All the while, praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. 00:04:34.920 --> 00:04:36.420 And each day, here's the result. 00:04:37.060 --> 00:04:41.240 The Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. 00:04:41.699 --> 00:04:42.339 And we pray together. 00:04:42.339 --> 00:04:46.479 God, I pray right now that you would move mightily in our church. 00:04:48.099 --> 00:04:49.639 That you would turn our hearts. 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:53.119 God, just a moment ago, we sang the words, 00:04:53.259 --> 00:04:55.099 Christ, be magnified in me. 00:04:55.459 --> 00:04:59.000 From the altar of my life, that means we've got to sacrifice it. 00:04:59.579 --> 00:05:02.879 We've got to lay it down on the altar and let you be magnified. 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:04.079 Let you be preeminent. 00:05:04.579 --> 00:05:07.679 Let you be number one, first and foremost. 00:05:07.680 --> 00:05:12.860 And when we do that, God, we reap all that is you. 00:05:13.259 --> 00:05:14.540 We reap all your goodness. 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:20.379 We get to enjoy all of your love and your mercy and your grace and your hope. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:25.060 And we unlock all the blessings that you so desperately want to give us. 00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:28.319 I pray that you would be magnified in our lives and in our church. 00:05:28.439 --> 00:05:29.460 It's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:05:29.840 --> 00:05:30.100 Amen. 00:05:30.360 --> 00:05:31.060 You may be seated. 00:05:31.340 --> 00:05:32.340 Thank you for standing. 00:05:32.339 --> 00:05:39.819 So, before we dive into this third ingredient of what healthy church community looks like, 00:05:40.399 --> 00:05:45.719 I want to wish all of you a happy National Date Nut Bread Day. 00:05:47.299 --> 00:05:52.719 And I'm a little offended that nobody wished me that before the service this morning. 00:05:54.099 --> 00:05:55.359 Thank you, Jackson. 00:05:56.599 --> 00:05:58.079 You're a good man. 00:05:58.299 --> 00:05:59.699 I don't care what they say about you. 00:05:59.699 --> 00:06:00.319 You're a good guy. 00:06:00.319 --> 00:06:01.419 I'm messing. 00:06:02.339 --> 00:06:05.079 But listen, I had to look that up, all right? 00:06:05.139 --> 00:06:07.359 I was looking up on the national food calendar. 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:08.719 Yes, there is such a thing. 00:06:09.539 --> 00:06:12.699 What is Sunday, September 8th, going to be? 00:06:13.079 --> 00:06:17.099 And I don't know if you're aware, but there's a little bit of controversy 00:06:17.099 --> 00:06:24.159 because some people would say that December 22nd is National Date Nut Bread Day. 00:06:25.139 --> 00:06:26.799 I'm more of a September 8th guy. 00:06:26.799 --> 00:06:29.839 But if you're a September 22nd person, that's all right. 00:06:30.139 --> 00:06:32.139 We should still be able to get along, okay? 00:06:32.339 --> 00:06:33.299 But I'm right. 00:06:33.619 --> 00:06:35.739 And today is National Date Nut Bread Day. 00:06:36.859 --> 00:06:42.959 Do you think that our country is a little bit obsessed with food? 00:06:44.219 --> 00:06:45.419 Yeah, we are. 00:06:45.579 --> 00:06:46.799 We really are, man. 00:06:46.919 --> 00:06:48.959 America is the land of plenty. 00:06:49.779 --> 00:06:51.439 Let's look at this picture for a minute. 00:06:51.679 --> 00:06:53.219 Anybody know who these people are? 00:06:53.299 --> 00:06:53.799 Any of them? 00:06:54.519 --> 00:06:55.039 Yeah? 00:06:55.040 --> 00:06:55.319 Yeah. 00:06:55.760 --> 00:06:59.760 So you're obsessed with food too because it means you watch it on TV. 00:06:59.879 --> 00:07:00.840 You don't just eat it. 00:07:01.220 --> 00:07:03.160 It entertains you on the screen. 00:07:03.340 --> 00:07:04.080 That's right. 00:07:04.580 --> 00:07:06.300 You got Gordon Ramsay up there. 00:07:06.580 --> 00:07:07.700 You got the first celebrity. 00:07:07.700 --> 00:07:07.920 Okay. 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:11.980 The first celebrity chef that I remember is down here in the right-hand corner. 00:07:12.480 --> 00:07:13.300 What's her name? 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:15.040 Julia Child. 00:07:15.140 --> 00:07:15.700 Look at y'all. 00:07:16.379 --> 00:07:19.120 Anybody under the age of 30 didn't say that, but that's all right. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:20.400 Julia Child. 00:07:21.139 --> 00:07:22.060 You said it? 00:07:22.120 --> 00:07:22.500 Look at you. 00:07:22.599 --> 00:07:23.019 Good job. 00:07:23.479 --> 00:07:24.799 You've been educated well, son. 00:07:25.199 --> 00:07:25.459 All right. 00:07:25.919 --> 00:07:30.500 Julia Child kind of laid the pathway for these cooking shows on TV. 00:07:30.699 --> 00:07:35.459 You got Rachel Ray over there, and you got Reed Drummond right up here in Oklahoma. 00:07:35.979 --> 00:07:39.679 Of course, you got Gordon Ramsay, and he's probably my least favorite because he's kind of mean. 00:07:40.319 --> 00:07:41.279 But that's all right. 00:07:41.500 --> 00:07:43.719 And then you've got Emeril Lagasse. 00:07:43.839 --> 00:07:45.120 He was my favorite growing up. 00:07:45.239 --> 00:07:48.859 He always would throw seasoning on his food and say, bam, it was awesome. 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:54.819 And then you've got Guy Fieri, who is now just, he is his own person. 00:07:55.020 --> 00:07:56.300 So he's a unique character. 00:07:56.759 --> 00:08:00.600 Listen, there are so many others we could have put up on that screen, but I was just trying 00:08:00.600 --> 00:08:07.300 to pull some up there and make the point that food is not just sustenance in our culture, 00:08:07.500 --> 00:08:07.800 right? 00:08:07.800 --> 00:08:13.079 We don't just eat to live more often than not. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:14.220 We live to eat. 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:19.660 And it has become a world unto itself. 00:08:21.439 --> 00:08:22.199 That's right. 00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:22.960 It's a hobby. 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:25.460 It's an occupation. 00:08:26.500 --> 00:08:32.340 Now it's not just I want to make food for my family or even I want to make food for a restaurant. 00:08:32.340 --> 00:08:36.600 It's, you know, I want to cook food on TV and entertain millions with my cooking. 00:08:39.800 --> 00:08:42.240 Truth is, there's power in food. 00:08:43.040 --> 00:08:44.240 There's power in a good meal. 00:08:45.300 --> 00:08:46.480 You don't believe that. 00:08:46.560 --> 00:08:48.200 Look at this quote by Oscar Wilde. 00:08:48.860 --> 00:08:52.860 After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one's own relatives. 00:08:55.040 --> 00:08:56.879 Sometimes we see that around the holidays. 00:08:56.879 --> 00:09:03.879 When you're hungry and angry, it's a really bad combination. 00:09:04.100 --> 00:09:06.320 It comes out to being hangry, right? 00:09:06.759 --> 00:09:07.980 Nobody wants to be there. 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:10.259 There is a lot of power in food. 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:18.779 There's a lot of ways to turn your mind around, ways to turn your emotions around, ways to help 00:09:18.779 --> 00:09:19.840 you think a little more clearly. 00:09:20.600 --> 00:09:22.519 I know there's a lot of science behind that. 00:09:22.559 --> 00:09:24.740 I don't know all the science behind it, but that's okay. 00:09:24.740 --> 00:09:26.600 We don't have to get bogged down in that. 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:30.879 But I want to share this quote by you by a chef named Heston Blumenthal. 00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:38.000 It says, to me, food is as much about the moment, the occasion, the location, and the 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:40.700 company as it is about the taste. 00:09:42.320 --> 00:09:43.799 That's an interesting thought. 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:48.220 And the truth is, food has kind of always been that way. 00:09:48.919 --> 00:09:54.759 You go back throughout human history, back to the Romans and the Greeks, and all societies 00:09:54.759 --> 00:10:02.319 primarily have centered so much of their culture and their community around food. 00:10:02.320 --> 00:10:09.320 So it's interesting that God created mankind in his image. 00:10:10.320 --> 00:10:16.520 And throughout human history, for as long as we've been around, we have been a people that 00:10:16.520 --> 00:10:21.300 would like to feast, would like to gather around food. 00:10:21.879 --> 00:10:26.080 When we have meetings, we usually make something for the meeting. 00:10:26.080 --> 00:10:30.460 And Jesus did not fight that. 00:10:31.080 --> 00:10:32.940 Fact is, he embraced it. 00:10:33.259 --> 00:10:34.200 He modeled it. 00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:40.020 We get to learn a lot from how Jesus was with food. 00:10:40.560 --> 00:10:43.180 So let's look back at our text verse this morning. 00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:44.500 Acts 2 42. 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:48.539 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching. 00:10:48.940 --> 00:10:51.340 Two weeks ago, we studied truth together, right? 00:10:51.720 --> 00:10:52.720 And to fellowship. 00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:55.019 Last week, we fellowshiped together. 00:10:55.379 --> 00:10:58.480 And to sharing in meals. 00:10:58.620 --> 00:11:01.759 So today, we eat together. 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:07.679 Now, I don't mean we're going to eat together right now, okay? 00:11:07.720 --> 00:11:08.179 I'm sorry. 00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:09.440 I didn't provide snacks. 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:13.039 The GAs were looking out for y'all, and they put food out there for you, okay? 00:11:13.039 --> 00:11:17.000 So if you need to get a little snack while we're eating, I won't judge you. 00:11:17.059 --> 00:11:18.620 While we're studying here, I won't judge you. 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:19.039 That's all right. 00:11:19.599 --> 00:11:21.000 Yeah, we can eat together right now. 00:11:22.279 --> 00:11:23.459 But listen to this. 00:11:23.719 --> 00:11:28.039 Eating together unites us in our common need. 00:11:28.759 --> 00:11:31.819 Eating together unites us in our common need. 00:11:32.059 --> 00:11:39.959 The funny thing is, no matter where we are around the world, people eat. 00:11:39.960 --> 00:11:42.160 People need to eat. 00:11:42.960 --> 00:11:47.440 No matter what side of life you're from, the wrong side of the tracks or the right side 00:11:47.440 --> 00:11:47.920 of the tracks. 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:52.160 No matter what your socioeconomic background is or how much money you have in your bank 00:11:52.160 --> 00:11:52.500 account. 00:11:52.759 --> 00:11:57.040 No matter what race you are or how you're looked at or who your friends are. 00:11:57.180 --> 00:11:59.519 We all have this common need to eat. 00:12:00.180 --> 00:12:03.840 So eating together unites us in our common need. 00:12:03.840 --> 00:12:09.340 That this is something that we all share in common, this need for physical sustenance. 00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:17.320 So truth is, people like oftentimes the same foods. 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:25.060 I watched this thing on Food Network TV about chefs, famous celebrity chefs and their favorite 00:12:25.060 --> 00:12:27.040 foods they like to eat. 00:12:27.039 --> 00:12:29.620 And you know what most of them said? 00:12:30.319 --> 00:12:35.339 I don't want to go home and cook a gourmet meal because I do that for work. 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:38.459 I want to pull through McDonald's and get a Big Mac. 00:12:40.379 --> 00:12:46.500 I want to go through Taco Bell and get a whatever thing is going to give you indigestion later. 00:12:46.959 --> 00:12:55.019 But rich and poor alike eat oftentimes the same foods because they like the same foods. 00:12:55.019 --> 00:12:57.199 You go to cultures all around this world. 00:12:57.279 --> 00:13:02.079 I've had the opportunity to travel to all 50 states and even 20-something countries around 00:13:02.079 --> 00:13:03.139 the world growing up. 00:13:03.139 --> 00:13:12.139 And I saw that street foods in all these different countries are enjoyed and prized and prioritized 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:12.919 by everyone. 00:13:13.039 --> 00:13:17.100 It's like, man, no matter who you are, if you're visiting someone rich or someone poor, they 00:13:17.100 --> 00:13:21.159 all say, oh, you got to go down to this food stand over here and try this delicacy. 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:22.539 They love it. 00:13:22.819 --> 00:13:23.840 They take pride in it. 00:13:25.019 --> 00:13:32.259 We may have little else in common, but here in Texas, we like our Tex-Mex. 00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:34.059 We like our barbecue. 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:35.199 We like our steak. 00:13:35.319 --> 00:13:41.620 We like our burgers, our chili, basically any other way that mankind has invented to digest 00:13:41.620 --> 00:13:42.259 red meat. 00:13:46.059 --> 00:13:48.899 If there's any vegans in here, I apologize for that, okay? 00:13:49.079 --> 00:13:50.279 You know you're in the minority. 00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:51.259 You live in Texas, all right? 00:13:51.279 --> 00:13:51.840 That's all right. 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:52.720 Nothing against you. 00:13:52.720 --> 00:13:56.200 But we are bound together by this. 00:13:56.540 --> 00:13:59.379 And we're bound together by our common need for food. 00:13:59.639 --> 00:14:01.340 So let's look at what the scriptures have to say. 00:14:01.460 --> 00:14:03.180 Isaiah 55, verses 1 and 2. 00:14:03.259 --> 00:14:04.360 Is anyone thirsty? 00:14:04.860 --> 00:14:07.420 Come and drink, even if you have no money. 00:14:08.160 --> 00:14:10.060 Take your choice of wine and milk. 00:14:10.340 --> 00:14:11.279 It's all free. 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:15.060 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? 00:14:15.279 --> 00:14:17.379 Why pay for food that does you no good? 00:14:17.379 --> 00:14:19.700 Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. 00:14:19.820 --> 00:14:21.759 You will enjoy the finest food. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:27.059 Isn't that interesting that he's casting it in these terms of our physical need for food? 00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:31.379 Of course, the prophet Isaiah is talking about the words of God. 00:14:31.480 --> 00:14:34.039 He's talking about going to God for our strength. 00:14:34.039 --> 00:14:40.759 But he's appealing to our need and our sense of hunger and filling that need inside us physically. 00:14:40.899 --> 00:14:47.399 And he's saying, just like you can fill this need, you can come and drink of the well of God, even if you have no money. 00:14:47.939 --> 00:14:51.599 And he will give you the satisfaction that you crave. 00:14:51.600 --> 00:15:09.620 Once again, he's appealing to their physical hunger, their desire for sustenance. 00:15:10.259 --> 00:15:12.399 You know, man, they didn't have it great in Egypt, did they? 00:15:12.460 --> 00:15:16.100 The children of Israel, they were under oppression, and then God liberated from that. 00:15:16.160 --> 00:15:18.500 And he took them on this 40-year wandering in the desert. 00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:24.080 But all the while, he kept this promised land in front of them and said, hey, listen, just hang with me. 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:26.559 I'm going to take you on the journey you've got to go on. 00:15:26.700 --> 00:15:32.779 But the promised land is going to hold for you the sustenance you desire, the satisfaction you desire. 00:15:32.779 --> 00:15:35.139 And he cast it in the terms of food. 00:15:36.039 --> 00:15:37.600 Because that's where we live. 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:39.299 It's the world we live in. 00:15:40.019 --> 00:15:43.279 Some of us have lived there a little too much. 00:15:44.059 --> 00:15:44.299 Okay? 00:15:45.059 --> 00:15:46.039 I'm one to talk. 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:46.919 I'm right there with you. 00:15:46.919 --> 00:15:51.879 But I will have you know that since I started training for my 5K, I'm down 25 pounds. 00:15:51.979 --> 00:15:52.179 Okay? 00:15:52.899 --> 00:15:53.259 Yes. 00:15:54.279 --> 00:15:54.639 Sorry. 00:15:56.319 --> 00:15:58.759 That was blatantly asking for a clap. 00:15:58.819 --> 00:15:59.459 And I apologize. 00:16:01.039 --> 00:16:03.559 But I had to let you know how I'm doing. 00:16:03.659 --> 00:16:03.899 All right? 00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:04.719 I haven't forgotten it. 00:16:04.740 --> 00:16:05.439 I haven't quit training. 00:16:05.539 --> 00:16:07.039 I actually went out and ran outside this morning. 00:16:07.099 --> 00:16:09.879 I've done a little more in the gym while the weather's been so hot. 00:16:10.139 --> 00:16:12.339 But, yeah, I actually went outside. 00:16:12.439 --> 00:16:13.399 Wasn't it nice this morning? 00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:16.199 Like 50-something degrees when we woke up? 00:16:16.299 --> 00:16:16.559 Okay. 00:16:17.199 --> 00:16:19.840 I'll do with that any September in Texas. 00:16:19.959 --> 00:16:20.319 That'll work. 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:24.259 Eating together lowers our defenses. 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:28.819 Eating together unites us in our common need, but it also lowers our defenses. 00:16:29.279 --> 00:16:29.840 Isn't that interesting? 00:16:29.959 --> 00:16:30.860 Think about that for a minute. 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:37.960 Sometimes you can be in maybe a little bit of an argument with your husband or wife or something, 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:41.940 and you're both hungry, and you know that's probably part of it. 00:16:42.259 --> 00:16:43.139 And then you go eat. 00:16:43.980 --> 00:16:46.659 And then afterwards, what were we fighting about? 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:49.200 Why does it matter so much? 00:16:49.560 --> 00:16:54.139 Whether it's a really good night's sleep you crave or a really good meal you crave, 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:58.519 sometimes it's just a physical need that makes everything seem worse. 00:16:58.639 --> 00:17:02.980 But once you're fed, once you're satisfied, it lowers some of those defenses, 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:05.920 and it's like, hey, we can probably work this out. 00:17:06.839 --> 00:17:13.559 Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:18.680 No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people eat together. 00:17:18.879 --> 00:17:22.440 One of those chefs from that picture just a minute ago, Guy Fieri, said that. 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:25.000 And I thought it was really applicable to what we're learning today. 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:28.160 Food is the universal language. 00:17:28.600 --> 00:17:31.080 It is this force that can bring us together, 00:17:31.240 --> 00:17:34.779 because one of the reasons for that is it does lower our defenses. 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:37.120 It reminds us we all need this. 00:17:37.580 --> 00:17:39.700 We all want this. 00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:42.080 And this can help us. 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:45.640 And it helps us to lay down our weapons and eat together. 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:51.299 So, Jesus practiced eating together. 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:56.740 We're not just here to look on the screen and see what chefs had to say about food, all right? 00:17:56.859 --> 00:18:00.339 They're kind of in the business, so you think they're going to be slanted a little bit toward that. 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:03.619 But Jesus himself practiced this. 00:18:04.159 --> 00:18:05.960 And this is what we're going to study this morning. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:16.559 Jesus specifically is recorded eating together with others no fewer than 14 times throughout the New Testament. 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:20.960 Many other times, it's probably implied that he ate together. 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:26.940 For instance, when he went to Zacchaeus' house, it's probably understood that they ate together, 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:29.500 but I'm not counting that in the 14 times. 00:18:29.899 --> 00:18:38.740 But we see specific instances of Jesus breaking bread and eating with others no fewer than 14 times. 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:47.579 Some of his most astonishing miracles and meaningful instruction came around the table, around food. 00:18:49.000 --> 00:18:52.039 So, Jesus didn't do that accidentally. 00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:58.000 And that information is not included in our holy scriptures accidentally. 00:18:59.180 --> 00:19:01.960 God could have just told us the instruction. 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:08.500 He could have just told us about the miracles without including the fact that they were eating together. 00:19:09.279 --> 00:19:10.779 But he wanted us to know that. 00:19:11.259 --> 00:19:14.980 Because there's something special about sharing food, isn't there? 00:19:17.779 --> 00:19:20.180 In our discipleship groups that are about to start, 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:22.000 first one starts tonight. 00:19:22.860 --> 00:19:24.279 And we've got two on Tuesday. 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:25.360 We've got one on Wednesday. 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:27.740 We've got one on Monday night, tomorrow night. 00:19:27.740 --> 00:19:32.400 Throughout the week, we have discipleship groups that are going to be gathering together. 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:36.099 And we've prioritized eating together. 00:19:37.079 --> 00:19:38.539 Doesn't have to be a full meal. 00:19:38.819 --> 00:19:39.980 Could just be a snack. 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:43.579 But we will eat together every time. 00:19:44.140 --> 00:19:45.680 Listen, that can be difficult to coordinate. 00:19:46.920 --> 00:19:48.200 But we think it's worth it. 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:51.140 Think it's worth it because, number one, Jesus did it. 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:54.420 And number two, it unites us together. 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:57.000 And number three, it lowers our defenses. 00:19:57.740 --> 00:20:01.240 And as we eat, we talk about our week. 00:20:01.720 --> 00:20:02.859 The week that passed. 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:03.960 The week that's coming up. 00:20:04.539 --> 00:20:05.859 Time after time. 00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:07.220 Meeting after meeting. 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:12.420 We're beginning to grow together as we eat together. 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:17.880 So, Jesus practiced this with his disciples. 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:19.059 With others. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:21.900 The Bible says with publicans and sinners. 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:23.859 Those who were the least of society. 00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:25.759 Those who were looked down on by others. 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:29.579 Jesus put his reputation on the line. 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:32.480 And went and not only spoke to them. 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:33.960 He sat with them. 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:35.079 He went in their homes. 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:36.420 He ate with them. 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:37.779 He fellowshiped with them. 00:20:37.879 --> 00:20:41.379 He practiced community with them. 00:20:41.380 --> 00:20:44.860 Luke chapter 9 and verse 16. 00:20:45.360 --> 00:20:47.040 It's just one of those instances. 00:20:48.040 --> 00:20:50.000 Taking the five loaves and the two fish. 00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:51.200 Looking up to heaven. 00:20:51.580 --> 00:20:54.040 Jesus gave thanks and broke them. 00:20:54.320 --> 00:20:57.560 Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. 00:20:57.940 --> 00:21:01.560 Jesus understood that it was going to be difficult 00:21:01.559 --> 00:21:06.799 to teach the valuable gospel message of God's kingdom 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:09.980 to these thousands of people gathered there 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:12.759 without first meeting their physical need. 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:16.159 Y'all, there is a principle there that you and I have to understand. 00:21:17.379 --> 00:21:20.759 You can't just beat people over the head with the Bible. 00:21:20.759 --> 00:21:24.359 You got to meet their physical needs first. 00:21:25.680 --> 00:21:29.660 Sometimes their physical needs may be too much for us to be able to meet. 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:35.740 But that should never be an excuse for not meeting any need. 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:38.000 There is a story that I heard a long time ago 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:40.640 about an old man who went down to the beach 00:21:40.640 --> 00:21:44.019 and he saw a little boy out there picking up starfish 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:47.440 that had washed ashore and throwing them back into the ocean. 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:51.840 Very good. 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:53.799 He's heard that one before. I like it. 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:56.080 The old man was like, 00:21:56.140 --> 00:21:58.539 Son, you're never going to save all these starfish. 00:21:58.600 --> 00:21:59.580 He said, No, I'm not. 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:00.740 But I can save this one. 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:02.059 And I can save this one. 00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:05.480 And that is the point that we must carry through with us. 00:22:05.539 --> 00:22:06.900 I heard a preacher put it this way. 00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:10.759 Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:15.620 Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. 00:22:15.840 --> 00:22:17.279 We're not the Father in heaven. 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:19.259 We can't meet every need. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:21.960 But God places people in our path 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:24.180 that we may be able to meet their need. 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:27.080 Jesus didn't feed the whole world 00:22:27.080 --> 00:22:28.820 while he was down here on this earth. 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:30.460 But he fed these 5,000. 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:32.440 And time and time again, 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:36.940 he didn't heal all of the physical problems in the world. 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:39.180 But he healed the ones who came to him. 00:22:39.860 --> 00:22:42.500 He met the needs of the ones who crossed his path. 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:46.960 Can you and I honestly say that we meet the needs that we can? 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:50.460 Whether they're physical or they're spiritual. 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:52.599 Maybe they're emotional. 00:22:52.799 --> 00:22:53.559 Maybe they're mental. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:57.519 Maybe there are people with problems in your life 00:22:57.519 --> 00:23:01.859 that God could use you powerfully to help them. 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:05.319 But we've got to open up our heart and be willing. 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:06.939 Say, God, use me. 00:23:07.679 --> 00:23:10.319 Just like you helped people, 00:23:10.459 --> 00:23:13.019 I know that now I'm here on this earth 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:14.979 as your hands and feet. 00:23:15.459 --> 00:23:17.019 And I want you to help me, 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:18.959 work through me, 00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:20.559 and help others. 00:23:21.379 --> 00:23:23.579 So Jesus practiced this. 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:24.979 Time and time again, 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:27.799 we could show scripture after scripture 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:29.680 of Jesus using food 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:31.000 to help others, 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.860 to open up their ears, 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:34.460 to lower their defenses, 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:36.200 to make them more receptive 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:37.839 to what he had to say. 00:23:38.140 --> 00:23:39.480 And that's why we prioritize 00:23:39.480 --> 00:23:40.860 this way of fellowship, 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:42.240 eating together. 00:23:42.400 --> 00:23:43.519 Plus, number two, 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:44.799 heaven promises 00:23:44.799 --> 00:23:47.160 that someday we're going to be eating together. 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:50.059 Someday we're going to be eating together. 00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:51.059 Anybody know what that's called? 00:23:52.059 --> 00:23:53.519 The marriage supper of the Lamb. 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:55.039 You can read about it in the book of Revelation. 00:23:55.220 --> 00:23:56.900 We don't have to spend a lot of time 00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:58.299 diving into what that looks like 00:23:58.299 --> 00:23:59.639 or what's going to be served, okay? 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:01.519 I know what's going to be served. 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:05.279 But if I say what I want there, 00:24:05.359 --> 00:24:07.180 it probably won't be the same as what you want. 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:09.819 But God promises 00:24:09.819 --> 00:24:12.859 that everything will be beyond anything 00:24:12.859 --> 00:24:14.359 that we can comprehend 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:17.000 in its majesty, 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.400 its glory, 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:20.400 how wonderful and great it is 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:21.319 in heaven someday. 00:24:21.319 --> 00:24:23.879 So whatever we're going to do in heaven, 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:25.240 whatever we're going to eat in heaven, 00:24:25.379 --> 00:24:27.319 it's going to be the best, all right? 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:29.960 I think personally it's going to be fajitas, 00:24:30.619 --> 00:24:33.579 but you may not want that. 00:24:33.659 --> 00:24:34.319 If you do, 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:36.720 we all need to pray for you, all right? 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.539 But that's okay. 00:24:40.339 --> 00:24:41.759 The reality is 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:43.279 God promises us 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:46.000 this wonderful supper in heaven. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:47.859 Why would he do that 00:24:47.859 --> 00:24:49.380 if he didn't know that food 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:51.539 was so important to us 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:53.319 and apparently important to him? 00:24:53.900 --> 00:24:56.019 So we're going to eat together. 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:58.019 But the thing about that is 00:24:58.019 --> 00:25:02.440 Jesus is always the center. 00:25:03.599 --> 00:25:07.140 No matter what example 00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:08.619 you can find in the Bible 00:25:08.619 --> 00:25:10.680 of eating together, 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:11.960 of Jesus using food, 00:25:11.960 --> 00:25:14.180 Jesus was always 00:25:14.180 --> 00:25:15.779 the main attraction. 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.559 He was always the center, 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:20.000 the uniting host. 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:22.980 That should characterize, 00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:24.539 that should describe 00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:27.559 our times of eating together 00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:28.960 as a body, 00:25:29.340 --> 00:25:30.220 as a community. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:33.319 Jesus should always be the center, 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:35.200 the uniting host. 00:25:35.360 --> 00:25:36.880 Revelation 3.20 says this, 00:25:37.079 --> 00:25:38.660 look, I stand at the door 00:25:38.660 --> 00:25:39.299 and I knock. 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:40.720 If you hear my voice 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:41.680 and you open the door, 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:42.839 I will come in 00:25:42.839 --> 00:25:43.579 and what does it say? 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:45.839 We will share a meal together 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:47.259 as friends. 00:25:47.960 --> 00:25:49.299 I love that paraphrase 00:25:50.180 --> 00:25:51.539 of what the Bible verse says 00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:53.599 because it really makes it clear 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:55.460 for us what he's trying 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:56.379 to get across here. 00:25:57.159 --> 00:25:57.599 He's saying, 00:25:57.819 --> 00:25:59.599 I'm knocking at the door, 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:00.619 open the door, 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:01.700 I will come in 00:26:01.700 --> 00:26:03.319 and we will fellowship. 00:26:04.039 --> 00:26:05.279 We will have community. 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:07.299 We will be friends together. 00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:08.539 Y'all, I promise you, 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.500 some of us, 00:26:09.899 --> 00:26:11.559 Jesus is knocking on the door 00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:13.019 of our heart right now. 00:26:13.299 --> 00:26:14.359 We've got to let him in. 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.859 He wants to come in 00:26:15.859 --> 00:26:16.980 and share a meal with us, 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:17.519 so to speak. 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:19.240 He wants to be our friend. 00:26:20.139 --> 00:26:21.339 He wants to have a real 00:26:21.339 --> 00:26:23.240 meaningful relationship with you. 00:26:23.859 --> 00:26:24.700 What happens 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:26.359 when you just see people 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:27.460 from time to time 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:28.480 around the community 00:26:28.480 --> 00:26:30.139 and you say hi to them 00:26:30.139 --> 00:26:31.539 and then maybe in conversation 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:33.819 somebody brings up that person 00:26:33.819 --> 00:26:34.200 and you say, 00:26:34.539 --> 00:26:34.819 oh yeah, 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:35.920 I know who you're talking about. 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:37.480 They seem like a nice guy 00:26:37.480 --> 00:26:39.300 or she seems like a nice girl. 00:26:40.380 --> 00:26:41.460 Oh, do you know her? 00:26:41.560 --> 00:26:42.000 Well, I mean, 00:26:42.060 --> 00:26:43.580 I know her to say hi to, 00:26:43.820 --> 00:26:44.180 you know. 00:26:44.840 --> 00:26:46.300 We're not that close, 00:26:46.420 --> 00:26:48.080 but they seem like a nice person. 00:26:48.560 --> 00:26:49.480 But what happens 00:26:49.480 --> 00:26:50.580 when you have dinner 00:26:50.580 --> 00:26:51.220 with that person? 00:26:52.800 --> 00:26:53.880 Do you just sit there 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.640 in stony silence 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:55.300 and eat your food? 00:26:56.240 --> 00:26:57.220 Be awkward, right? 00:26:57.860 --> 00:26:58.580 If you do, 00:26:58.680 --> 00:26:59.700 there probably won't be 00:26:59.700 --> 00:27:01.519 a second invite to dinner, 00:27:01.620 --> 00:27:01.880 right? 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:04.580 Wow, that was weird. 00:27:04.660 --> 00:27:05.480 They just looked at us 00:27:05.480 --> 00:27:06.080 the whole time 00:27:06.080 --> 00:27:07.560 as they ate their enchiladas. 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:10.400 But no, you talk. 00:27:10.900 --> 00:27:11.340 You talk, 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:12.360 you share stories. 00:27:13.120 --> 00:27:14.460 Where are you guys from originally? 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:15.580 Oh, you're from around here? 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:16.140 That's awesome. 00:27:16.300 --> 00:27:17.080 How'd you meet? 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:18.960 Where'd you go to school? 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:20.460 You find the things 00:27:20.460 --> 00:27:21.360 you have in common. 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:23.160 Do you like the Cowboys? 00:27:24.520 --> 00:27:24.880 Good. 00:27:25.160 --> 00:27:25.860 Because if you didn't, 00:27:25.900 --> 00:27:27.060 you'd have to leave right now. 00:27:27.059 --> 00:27:29.379 By the way, 00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:30.319 for all those who are wondering, 00:27:30.419 --> 00:27:31.419 the Cowboys re-signed 00:27:31.419 --> 00:27:32.019 Dak Prescott. 00:27:32.179 --> 00:27:32.779 He is the quarterback 00:27:32.779 --> 00:27:33.460 once again. 00:27:34.299 --> 00:27:35.200 Trying to get that out. 00:27:35.399 --> 00:27:35.799 In case you were 00:27:35.799 --> 00:27:36.419 checking your phone, 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:36.940 it happened. 00:27:37.139 --> 00:27:38.139 Just let it go. 00:27:38.220 --> 00:27:38.720 You can read about it 00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:39.079 after church. 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:41.839 Look, 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:43.059 there are so many things 00:27:43.059 --> 00:27:43.559 that you and I 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:44.419 can have in common. 00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:47.019 But we find those out 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:49.319 oftentimes over meals, 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:50.599 sitting down and talking. 00:27:50.879 --> 00:27:51.579 That's the picture 00:27:51.579 --> 00:27:52.319 Jesus is painting. 00:27:53.399 --> 00:27:54.559 I'm standing at the door 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:55.039 of your heart. 00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:55.419 Y'all, 00:27:55.519 --> 00:27:56.299 he's not talking 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:57.180 to lost people here. 00:27:58.139 --> 00:27:58.500 Now, 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:59.180 he wants them 00:27:59.180 --> 00:28:00.359 to invite him in as well. 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:02.440 But the reality is, 00:28:02.839 --> 00:28:04.240 Jesus wants us, 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.319 his children, 00:28:05.839 --> 00:28:07.200 to open the door to him. 00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.659 He said, 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:11.240 I already know you. 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:13.859 You need to get to know me. 00:28:14.740 --> 00:28:16.599 And I want to reveal myself to you. 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:18.539 And he uses this example 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:20.359 of sharing a meal together 00:28:20.359 --> 00:28:21.500 as friends. 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:23.059 How powerful is that? 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:24.659 We can't miss that. 00:28:24.660 --> 00:28:25.519 So, 00:28:25.960 --> 00:28:27.720 that's why we're 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:28.860 emphasizing that 00:28:28.860 --> 00:28:30.000 in our discipleship groups. 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:32.620 It's amazing to me 00:28:32.620 --> 00:28:33.400 sometimes 00:28:33.400 --> 00:28:35.600 how people evaluate 00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:36.279 groups, 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:37.580 small groups, 00:28:37.740 --> 00:28:37.920 by 00:28:37.920 --> 00:28:39.900 kind of similarly 00:28:39.900 --> 00:28:40.880 to how they evaluate 00:28:40.880 --> 00:28:41.840 a lot of other things 00:28:41.840 --> 00:28:42.320 in life 00:28:42.320 --> 00:28:43.900 by what they personally 00:28:43.900 --> 00:28:44.660 get out of it. 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:46.779 Now, 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:46.980 careful, 00:28:47.080 --> 00:28:47.740 don't get offended here, 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:47.960 okay? 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:49.660 They'll say, 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:49.900 well, 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:50.279 you know, 00:28:51.080 --> 00:28:51.740 small groups 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:53.019 just aren't really my thing. 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:54.180 They don't really work for me. 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:56.119 But you're kind of missing 00:28:56.119 --> 00:28:56.779 the point here. 00:28:57.319 --> 00:28:58.500 In a small group, 00:28:58.940 --> 00:29:00.519 you give yourself 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.359 away. 00:29:02.319 --> 00:29:03.200 That's what Jesus 00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:03.960 is telling us. 00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:05.799 I want to give myself 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:06.339 away. 00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:08.079 I want to open myself up 00:29:08.079 --> 00:29:08.859 to you. 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:10.220 And that's what we do 00:29:10.220 --> 00:29:11.099 in the groups. 00:29:11.519 --> 00:29:12.859 We open ourselves up 00:29:12.859 --> 00:29:13.799 to each other 00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:14.559 because we 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:15.759 love 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:16.599 each other. 00:29:16.599 --> 00:29:18.019 or at least 00:29:18.019 --> 00:29:18.599 we say we do 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:20.899 because we love 00:29:20.899 --> 00:29:21.319 God 00:29:21.319 --> 00:29:22.859 and we love 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:23.559 God's people 00:29:23.559 --> 00:29:24.899 and we love 00:29:24.899 --> 00:29:25.439 the people 00:29:25.439 --> 00:29:26.899 outside this church, 00:29:27.099 --> 00:29:28.199 in this community. 00:29:28.699 --> 00:29:29.839 And so if we do, 00:29:30.179 --> 00:29:30.959 then we open 00:29:30.959 --> 00:29:31.659 ourselves up. 00:29:32.519 --> 00:29:33.759 In a small group, 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:34.699 you got to give 00:29:34.699 --> 00:29:35.139 yourself 00:29:35.139 --> 00:29:35.859 away. 00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:37.240 The writer in Acts 00:29:37.240 --> 00:29:38.899 did not 00:29:38.899 --> 00:29:39.819 list 00:29:39.819 --> 00:29:41.419 what 00:29:41.419 --> 00:29:42.379 these groups 00:29:42.379 --> 00:29:43.539 got out of it. 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:45.399 they listed 00:29:45.399 --> 00:29:47.220 what they gave. 00:29:48.319 --> 00:29:49.099 They listed 00:29:49.099 --> 00:29:50.799 how they served 00:29:50.799 --> 00:29:51.420 one another. 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:52.500 How they opened 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:53.279 themselves up 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:54.279 to one another. 00:29:55.220 --> 00:29:55.700 That 00:29:55.700 --> 00:29:57.299 was the takeaway 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:58.659 from these 00:29:58.659 --> 00:29:59.139 early 00:29:59.139 --> 00:30:00.240 D groups 00:30:00.240 --> 00:30:01.920 that became 00:30:01.920 --> 00:30:02.899 the most powerful 00:30:02.899 --> 00:30:03.639 church movement 00:30:03.639 --> 00:30:04.879 that we've ever seen. 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:06.700 And we've been trying 00:30:06.700 --> 00:30:07.599 to get back to it 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:08.539 ever since. 00:30:09.619 --> 00:30:10.079 So Acts 00:30:10.079 --> 00:30:10.819 goes on 00:30:10.819 --> 00:30:11.339 and on 00:30:11.339 --> 00:30:11.779 and on 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:12.940 about how 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:14.140 extensively 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:14.660 how 00:30:14.660 --> 00:30:15.559 carefully 00:30:15.559 --> 00:30:16.200 the church 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:16.700 cared 00:30:16.700 --> 00:30:18.019 for one another. 00:30:18.120 --> 00:30:19.019 How they gave 00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:19.660 to each other. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:20.640 Their generosity 00:30:20.640 --> 00:30:21.960 that they found 00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:23.220 in Jesus Christ 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:24.420 was then 00:30:24.420 --> 00:30:24.799 modeled 00:30:24.799 --> 00:30:25.940 for each other. 00:30:26.920 --> 00:30:27.820 Should be a 00:30:27.820 --> 00:30:28.680 regular occurrence 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:30.120 that you care 00:30:30.120 --> 00:30:30.680 for someone 00:30:30.680 --> 00:30:32.080 in this church. 00:30:32.900 --> 00:30:33.920 Should be a regular 00:30:33.920 --> 00:30:34.680 occurrence 00:30:34.680 --> 00:30:35.820 that we care 00:30:35.820 --> 00:30:36.880 for one another. 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:37.539 That should be 00:30:37.539 --> 00:30:37.920 common 00:30:37.920 --> 00:30:39.019 in our community 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:39.900 and it should be 00:30:39.900 --> 00:30:40.640 most common 00:30:40.640 --> 00:30:41.539 right here 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:42.180 in this group 00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:42.559 of people. 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:44.240 Isaiah 25 00:30:44.240 --> 00:30:45.840 Matthew 25 00:30:45.840 --> 00:30:47.240 Revelation 19 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:48.720 all reference 00:30:48.720 --> 00:30:49.420 this coming 00:30:49.420 --> 00:30:50.340 feast in heaven 00:30:50.340 --> 00:30:51.200 where God 00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:51.840 will prepare 00:30:51.840 --> 00:30:53.940 this wonderful 00:30:53.940 --> 00:30:55.080 sumptuous meal 00:30:55.080 --> 00:30:56.160 for his people. 00:30:56.900 --> 00:30:57.680 So you and I 00:30:57.680 --> 00:30:58.240 are going 00:30:58.240 --> 00:30:58.980 to eat together. 00:30:59.320 --> 00:30:59.940 We're going 00:30:59.940 --> 00:31:00.480 to fellowship 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:00.980 together. 00:31:01.160 --> 00:31:01.660 We're going 00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:02.460 to have community 00:31:02.460 --> 00:31:03.039 together 00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:04.220 whether you like 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:04.640 it or not. 00:31:04.980 --> 00:31:05.840 Whether it's 00:31:05.840 --> 00:31:06.340 your thing 00:31:06.340 --> 00:31:06.779 or not 00:31:06.779 --> 00:31:07.799 it's gonna 00:31:07.799 --> 00:31:08.240 happen 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:08.920 in heaven 00:31:08.920 --> 00:31:09.340 someday. 00:31:09.779 --> 00:31:10.500 So why not 00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:11.079 get into this 00:31:11.079 --> 00:31:11.720 heavenly habit 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:12.180 right now. 00:31:14.039 --> 00:31:15.460 So it would 00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:15.920 have been really 00:31:15.920 --> 00:31:16.539 awesome if we'd 00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:17.079 had a big old 00:31:17.079 --> 00:31:17.880 meal ready for you 00:31:17.880 --> 00:31:18.299 in the fellowship 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:18.900 hall as soon as 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:19.460 this church was 00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:19.680 over. 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.880 WSC before church 00:31:21.880 --> 00:31:22.559 said so we eating 00:31:22.559 --> 00:31:23.380 together today or 00:31:23.380 --> 00:31:23.640 what? 00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:24.019 And I was like 00:31:24.019 --> 00:31:25.839 well the GAs 00:31:25.839 --> 00:31:26.359 took care of that 00:31:26.359 --> 00:31:26.759 for us. 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:29.900 here's the 00:31:29.900 --> 00:31:30.259 takeaway. 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:31.779 Will I commit 00:31:31.779 --> 00:31:32.980 to unite 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:34.359 with my church 00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:38.700 be part of 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:39.359 this community 00:31:39.359 --> 00:31:40.940 by eating 00:31:40.940 --> 00:31:41.359 together? 00:31:41.839 --> 00:31:42.740 Two weeks ago 00:31:42.740 --> 00:31:43.879 we said will I 00:31:43.879 --> 00:31:44.940 commit to grow 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:46.240 with my church 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:47.160 by studying 00:31:47.160 --> 00:31:47.759 truth together? 00:31:50.160 --> 00:31:51.099 Last week 00:31:51.099 --> 00:31:51.900 we said will I 00:31:51.900 --> 00:31:52.720 commit to partner 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:53.599 with my church 00:31:53.599 --> 00:31:54.259 in fellowship? 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:55.920 This week 00:31:55.920 --> 00:31:56.539 we're saying will 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:57.220 I commit to 00:31:57.220 --> 00:31:58.379 unite with 00:31:58.379 --> 00:31:59.019 my church 00:31:59.019 --> 00:31:59.619 community 00:31:59.619 --> 00:32:00.700 by eating 00:32:00.700 --> 00:32:01.259 together? 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:02.519 We're going to 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:02.920 do that in 00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:03.220 groups. 00:32:03.599 --> 00:32:04.119 We do that 00:32:04.119 --> 00:32:04.460 here at the 00:32:04.460 --> 00:32:05.019 Lord's Supper. 00:32:05.379 --> 00:32:06.019 We do that 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:06.480 when we have 00:32:06.480 --> 00:32:06.839 our meals 00:32:06.839 --> 00:32:07.680 together sometimes 00:32:07.680 --> 00:32:08.180 in the 00:32:08.180 --> 00:32:08.980 fellowship hall 00:32:08.980 --> 00:32:09.519 back there. 00:32:10.339 --> 00:32:10.980 But beyond 00:32:10.980 --> 00:32:11.940 that y'all you 00:32:11.940 --> 00:32:12.500 can get together 00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:13.099 outside of those 00:32:13.099 --> 00:32:13.399 times. 00:32:14.299 --> 00:32:15.099 God wants us 00:32:15.099 --> 00:32:15.539 to do that. 00:32:15.879 --> 00:32:16.339 He wants you 00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:16.940 to invite people 00:32:16.940 --> 00:32:17.379 over to your 00:32:17.379 --> 00:32:17.720 house. 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:18.779 Get to know 00:32:18.779 --> 00:32:19.039 them. 00:32:19.720 --> 00:32:20.720 Build strong 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.460 bonds and 00:32:21.460 --> 00:32:22.379 relationships in 00:32:22.379 --> 00:32:23.279 this church and 00:32:23.279 --> 00:32:23.940 it doesn't always 00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:24.559 have to be the 00:32:24.559 --> 00:32:25.019 people in your 00:32:25.019 --> 00:32:25.680 Sunday school class. 00:32:25.680 --> 00:32:26.640 It doesn't 00:32:26.640 --> 00:32:27.240 always have to be 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:27.840 the people that 00:32:27.840 --> 00:32:28.560 you already hang 00:32:28.560 --> 00:32:28.940 out with. 00:32:29.539 --> 00:32:30.220 Sometimes God 00:32:30.220 --> 00:32:31.160 wants you to reach 00:32:31.160 --> 00:32:32.019 across the aisle so 00:32:32.019 --> 00:32:33.140 to speak and find 00:32:33.140 --> 00:32:33.779 somebody that you 00:32:33.779 --> 00:32:34.460 don't know as well 00:32:34.460 --> 00:32:35.240 and say hey I want 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:35.779 to get to know you 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:36.019 better. 00:32:36.360 --> 00:32:37.060 God's brought us 00:32:37.060 --> 00:32:38.100 into this church at 00:32:38.100 --> 00:32:38.759 the same time 00:32:38.759 --> 00:32:39.700 together so that 00:32:39.700 --> 00:32:40.320 must be for a 00:32:40.320 --> 00:32:40.539 reason. 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:41.799 I want to break 00:32:41.799 --> 00:32:42.580 down any potential 00:32:42.580 --> 00:32:43.420 walls between us 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:45.680 and understand life 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:46.080 from your 00:32:46.080 --> 00:32:46.580 perspective. 00:32:46.840 --> 00:32:47.860 You understand life 00:32:47.860 --> 00:32:48.720 from my perspective 00:32:48.720 --> 00:32:50.960 and then we see 00:32:50.960 --> 00:32:51.799 what God has taught 00:32:51.799 --> 00:32:52.779 us and how God is 00:32:52.779 --> 00:32:54.240 growing us and man 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:55.559 iron sharpens 00:32:55.559 --> 00:32:55.880 iron. 00:32:56.079 --> 00:32:56.259 Right? 00:32:56.660 --> 00:32:57.799 We grow together 00:32:57.799 --> 00:32:59.259 but sometimes it 00:32:59.259 --> 00:33:00.480 takes an invitation 00:33:00.480 --> 00:33:01.319 to dinner. 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.720 Let's pray together. 00:33:03.180 --> 00:33:04.539 God I pray that 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:05.539 right now we would 00:33:05.539 --> 00:33:06.700 extend that same 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:07.500 invite to others. 00:33:07.680 --> 00:33:09.019 You have invited us 00:33:09.019 --> 00:33:10.720 to your dinner. 00:33:11.259 --> 00:33:12.440 You've invited us 00:33:12.440 --> 00:33:14.019 to learn everything 00:33:14.019 --> 00:33:14.680 about you. 00:33:15.960 --> 00:33:17.140 You've given us what 00:33:17.140 --> 00:33:18.019 you call the bread 00:33:18.019 --> 00:33:18.460 of life. 00:33:18.579 --> 00:33:19.240 You've given us what 00:33:19.240 --> 00:33:20.059 you call the water 00:33:20.059 --> 00:33:20.579 of life. 00:33:20.579 --> 00:33:21.759 You've promised us 00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:23.500 this sumptuous feast 00:33:23.500 --> 00:33:24.419 in heaven someday 00:33:24.419 --> 00:33:26.099 and you've encouraged 00:33:26.099 --> 00:33:27.000 us to fellowship 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:28.179 together by eating 00:33:28.179 --> 00:33:29.919 together just like 00:33:29.919 --> 00:33:30.579 you did when you 00:33:30.579 --> 00:33:30.939 were here. 00:33:31.299 --> 00:33:31.859 I pray that you 00:33:31.859 --> 00:33:33.859 would use this to 00:33:33.859 --> 00:33:35.359 inspire us to take 00:33:35.359 --> 00:33:37.299 active steps toward 00:33:37.299 --> 00:33:38.079 building community 00:33:38.079 --> 00:33:38.919 with one another in 00:33:38.919 --> 00:33:40.579 this church and that 00:33:40.579 --> 00:33:41.399 the result of that 00:33:41.399 --> 00:33:42.159 the fruit of that 00:33:42.159 --> 00:33:44.740 would be people see 00:33:44.740 --> 00:33:46.799 a group of Christians 00:33:46.799 --> 00:33:48.279 united like never 00:33:48.279 --> 00:33:48.680 before. 00:33:49.359 --> 00:33:50.680 In community like 00:33:50.680 --> 00:33:52.399 never before and 00:33:52.399 --> 00:33:53.660 continually inviting 00:33:53.660 --> 00:33:54.839 others in to that 00:33:54.839 --> 00:33:55.220 community. 00:33:56.660 --> 00:33:57.839 And then maybe God 00:33:57.839 --> 00:33:58.539 can add to our 00:33:58.539 --> 00:34:00.339 number just like he 00:34:00.339 --> 00:34:01.039 did back in the book 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:01.440 of Acts. 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:03.319 Maybe more people 00:34:03.319 --> 00:34:06.279 will be drawn to a 00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:07.000 relationship with 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:11.239 Jesus not just by how 00:34:11.239 --> 00:34:12.179 much scripture we can 00:34:12.179 --> 00:34:12.719 quote them. 00:34:14.099 --> 00:34:14.980 That's important. 00:34:14.980 --> 00:34:17.159 But following your 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:20.039 example saying hey 00:34:20.039 --> 00:34:21.360 let's let's go for a 00:34:21.360 --> 00:34:21.539 meal. 00:34:21.740 --> 00:34:22.699 Let's get together for 00:34:22.699 --> 00:34:23.019 lunch. 00:34:23.860 --> 00:34:24.880 Let's have coffee. 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:26.539 Let's sit down come 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:27.240 over my house for 00:34:27.240 --> 00:34:29.980 dinner and make an 00:34:29.980 --> 00:34:32.099 effort to meet them 00:34:32.099 --> 00:34:34.440 where they are where 00:34:34.440 --> 00:34:35.260 God met us. 00:34:37.099 --> 00:34:37.639 And then maybe he'll 00:34:37.639 --> 00:34:38.400 use us to make a 00:34:38.400 --> 00:34:39.139 powerful impact in 00:34:39.139 --> 00:34:39.599 their life. 00:34:41.360 --> 00:34:43.740 But God first I want 00:34:43.740 --> 00:34:44.639 to extend an invitation 00:34:44.639 --> 00:34:45.699 to those who maybe 00:34:45.699 --> 00:34:47.359 have never yet invited 00:34:47.359 --> 00:34:47.799 you in. 00:34:50.199 --> 00:34:51.239 With our heads bowed 00:34:51.239 --> 00:34:51.819 is there anybody in 00:34:51.819 --> 00:34:52.359 the room that would 00:34:52.359 --> 00:34:53.539 say I need to start the 00:34:53.539 --> 00:34:54.400 relationship with Jesus 00:34:54.400 --> 00:34:55.359 today for myself. 00:34:56.159 --> 00:34:57.179 Not asking how long 00:34:57.179 --> 00:34:57.819 you've been in church. 00:34:57.900 --> 00:34:59.799 I'm not asking how 00:34:59.799 --> 00:35:00.460 much you put in the 00:35:00.460 --> 00:35:01.019 offering plate. 00:35:01.099 --> 00:35:02.139 That has nothing to do 00:35:02.139 --> 00:35:02.500 with anything. 00:35:02.599 --> 00:35:03.379 I'm not asking if you've 00:35:03.379 --> 00:35:04.259 been baptized or not. 00:35:04.339 --> 00:35:05.980 I'm asking if you have a 00:35:05.980 --> 00:35:07.039 personal relationship with 00:35:07.039 --> 00:35:07.299 Jesus. 00:35:07.300 --> 00:35:07.400 Jesus. 00:35:10.019 --> 00:35:10.980 And if you say I don't 00:35:10.980 --> 00:35:12.140 have that and I want to 00:35:12.140 --> 00:35:13.680 talk about it would you 00:35:13.680 --> 00:35:14.480 slip your hand up and I'll 00:35:14.480 --> 00:35:15.000 pray for you. 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:17.720 Say I want to become God's 00:35:17.720 --> 00:35:17.920 child. 00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:18.360 I want to have a 00:35:18.360 --> 00:35:19.260 relationship with him. 00:35:20.680 --> 00:35:21.220 Thank you. 00:35:21.860 --> 00:35:23.080 What about the rest of us? 00:35:23.480 --> 00:35:24.560 Say maybe God has put 00:35:24.560 --> 00:35:25.320 something on my heart. 00:35:25.400 --> 00:35:26.220 Maybe somebody I could 00:35:26.220 --> 00:35:26.900 reach out to. 00:35:27.240 --> 00:35:28.100 Build a bridge to. 00:35:28.180 --> 00:35:29.120 Maybe have over for dinner 00:35:29.120 --> 00:35:30.039 or something like that. 00:35:30.580 --> 00:35:31.519 Say there's somebody that 00:35:31.519 --> 00:35:32.700 God wants me to reach out 00:35:32.700 --> 00:35:33.640 to and start a relationship 00:35:33.639 --> 00:35:34.679 with or strengthen a 00:35:34.679 --> 00:35:35.440 relationship with. 00:35:35.799 --> 00:35:36.559 Would you slip your hand 00:35:36.559 --> 00:35:36.719 up? 00:35:36.759 --> 00:35:37.579 I'll pray for you as well. 00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:38.339 Thank you. 00:35:38.659 --> 00:35:39.119 Thank you. 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:40.119 All over the room. 00:35:40.179 --> 00:35:40.579 Thank you. 00:35:41.319 --> 00:35:42.839 God you know exactly who 00:35:42.839 --> 00:35:43.480 those people are. 00:35:43.559 --> 00:35:44.099 Those faces. 00:35:44.339 --> 00:35:45.059 You know what the needs 00:35:45.059 --> 00:35:45.279 are. 00:35:45.359 --> 00:35:46.019 The complications. 00:35:47.119 --> 00:35:48.019 I pray that you would 00:35:48.019 --> 00:35:49.159 work in our midst right 00:35:49.159 --> 00:35:49.400 now. 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:50.679 Give people the boldness. 00:35:51.579 --> 00:35:52.679 Sometimes if you're not a 00:35:52.679 --> 00:35:54.079 naturally a people person 00:35:54.079 --> 00:35:55.319 it's hard to step out and 00:35:55.319 --> 00:35:56.079 make the first move. 00:35:56.079 --> 00:35:57.359 But God by your spirit 00:35:57.359 --> 00:35:59.420 draw us together. 00:36:00.699 --> 00:36:01.379 Unite us. 00:36:01.940 --> 00:36:03.279 Steve prayed earlier before 00:36:03.280 --> 00:36:03.800 the offering. 00:36:03.940 --> 00:36:05.220 Unite our church God. 00:36:06.480 --> 00:36:07.900 Build this strong community.