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    Apr 25, 2021

    The Power of Community

    Passage: Acts 2:42-47

    Speaker: Doug Swagerty

    Category: Sermon

    Sermon Summary:

    The gospel opens our eyes to a new reality, and it is in conflict with the reality we lived in before. We need God's power of community to face the challenge.

    Why do we need God's Power of Community?
    1. For the External Conflict.
      • The world and the devil wars against us following Jesus. We need others to help us face the challenge.
    2. For the Internal Conflict.
      • Our own flesh wars against us following Jesus. We need others to help us face the challenge.

    The Acts 2 believers are realizing that Jesus is all they need, and it unleashes God's power in their lives.

    How is God's Power at Work?
    1. Victory over Priorities.
      • Believers are seeking the kingdom of God first.
    2. Victory over Materialism.
      • Radical generosity for the good of others. "You don't possess what you can't give away—it possesses you."
      • The phrase "everything in common" is an allusion to Plato's ideal society. Luke is saying the unattainable ideal of the best of Greek philosophy was accomplished in Acts 2.
    3. Victory over Relationships.
      • Not in manipulation or codependency, but in mutual love and care.
    4. Victory over Darkness.
      • God is winning against the brokenness in the world.
      • Jesus' John 17 prayer is happening—the unity of believers is proof of the gospel, and is attracting more and more people.

    Discussion Questions:
    1. Share about a time when community, or the lack of it, was significant in your life.
    2. Have you experienced any of the victories Doug described? How did community play a role in your experience?
    3. What keeps you from going deeper with others in God's family?
    4. Pray for each other.