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Sunday, September 10, 2006
FOUNDATIONS FOR FAMILIES 6: Community Acts 2.42-47 Mount Pisgah
Allen R. Hunt 9/10/06
I. Some folks never find it – others find it by accident
That’s what happened to Alana, Amber, Chastity, Angela, and BJ
Chastity – mom and dad abused alcohol, been homeless, lived in 12 foster homes, physically hit in the head, and carried belongings from foster home to foster home in a garbage bag
Alana – father abandoned family, then to prison, mom drank, did not work, lived in cheap motel rooms, did not pay bills, all five of her siblings placed in foster home
Amber and Angela are blond twins – parents both sent to prison, lived with grandmother until she died
Bu they all found it at Robin and Wilson Wallace’s home in Henry County – where they lived with 9 other children in a foster home
These five were together for 5 years – developed foster girl sisterhood
Stand up for one another, play and hang out with one another, encourage one another, and share everything
Very different for Chastity hoarded her food when she first arrived and hid it in her room because she was used to not knowing when or if another meal would come
The Wallaces’ home is a foster home – funded largely by Truett Cathy and his ministry WinShape Homes – ministry offering hope and love to those who have none
Had such an impact on these 5 – when they all graduated together from Eagle’s Landing HS at the same time last year – 5 of 280 foster kids in Georgia who made it to graduation - they asked for special meeting with Robin and Wilson to ask them to promise that they would still be there for them
Robin said, “This is your home.”
For the first time in their life – Alana, Amber, Angela, Chastity and BJ found it
Home – family – unconditional love – hope – grace of God
Some folks never find it – some find it in unlikely places like a foster home
But we are made for one another – and that is God’s intention for the Church
II. We are made for each other – perhaps that is why
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
Family, brothers, sisters, etc..
Exactly what Acts describes here
Why Romans 12.4-5 puts it this way
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
We belong to each other
There is no such thing as a purely individual Christian – we belong to each other
Because we belong to the one Lord – we are His body
III. That means we
Love and accept one another (Acts 2.42-47; 4.32-37; John 13.34-35; Romans 12.10)
v.44 All the believers were together and had everything in common
4.32 – All the believers were one in heart and mind
Just like those 5 foster sisters found a place where they were loved and accepted just for who they are, because they had found a small Christian body there with the Wallaces
In same way, that is the Church
You have been claimed by the one Lord – you belong to Him
And so does each person around you – He binds us together
We share the same Bible, the same cup and loaf, the same baptism, the same manger, same cross, same destination, same Holy Spirit
You are not alone
And that is crucial to hear in a culture that grows more lonely every year
Study last year showed that average American has two friends in whom they can confide
In early 1990’s, it was three
Bowling leagues have ¼ of participation as did in 1960’s
Political volunteers in campaigns are ½ what were in 1960’s
PTA involvement ½
Fewer dinner parties, card playing gatherings, social visits in homes
Culture is growing more lonely
Church says – you’re not alone – being together makes your heart bigger, ends your aloneness
This is a place where we love and accept one another
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
+ Instruct one another (Acts 2.42; 1 Cor. 3.1-3; Heb. 5.11-14)
God desires to transform your life – to a rich, full life
And that transformation happens in a community of believers
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and t the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Email from friend who is sharing his faith with woman he knows in another country
She emailed back and said no matter how hard I try, how hard I pray, how hard I think, I do not experience the presence of God – He does not reveal Himself to me ever
He asked me, what should I tell her?
Tell her to find some other believers – she cannot do this by herself – we are made for each other
May be a church, may be a small group of 2 or 3 women who are believers – but surround herself with other believers – and will increase opportunity to meet God
Because we are made for each other – we instruct one another
Why the life groups and Crown groups that more than 600 of you are in this Fall are so important – we instruct one another
So that transformation can occur by God’s power – He shows up when we are together
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
+ _Hold one another accountable (Acts 2.42-47; 5.1-12; Romans 15.14; Heb. 10.24-27)
We need each other – another reason – we have a remarkable ability to deceive ourselves
Need someone to pull us out of the fog and remind us who we are
Ananias and Sapphira – deceived the church – stood before leaders and said were giving proceeds of their assets to ministry – after all, folks were selling possessions and goods
And Peter held them accountable – “You have lied to the Holy Spirit” (Acts 5)
Sometimes it is a small group leader, sometimes a Christian friend, sometimes a pastor
Not long ago, a man sat in my office and told me of the affair he has been conducting with a woman in another city for several years
He explained to me all the reasons he was doing it – all the issues in his marriage, all the pressures of his life – he had convinced himself that it was OK
And what he needed to hear was not, “It’s OK.”
He needed to hear the simple question, “Do you consider what you are doing adultery?”
“Well, I guess the Bible would describe it that way.”
“Are you a follower of Jesus? Do you believe that the Bible is true?”
“Well, yes. I guess I am committing adultery.”
That is why he was in my office – deep down he knew that what he was doing was wrong
Just needed a brother to tell him that – pull him out of the fog of self-deception
We hold one another accountable because
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
+ And encourage and support one another (Acts 2.45; 2 Cor. 8.4; Gal. 6.2; Heb. 10.24-27)
They gave to everyone as he had need…ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people…
This week, two very good men in the Mount Pisgah family passed away
And in doing so, they were not alone
More importantly, their families were surrounded by their brothers and sisters in Christ
Each Tuesday night, about 50 folks gather in South Hall for Celebrate Recovery – hurts, habits and hangups – to encourage and support one another in a 12 step Christ –centered group – one of dozens of support groups who meet here each week with 100’s of participants
(Perhaps use story of Catherine here if have time)
You are not alone
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
III. Result = Life Impact (Acts 2.47; 5.14; 6.7; 9.31; 11.21; 12.24; 14.1; 2 Cor. 6.14)
We are family because God desires to have a life impact – we have something that the world needs – home, family – we are made for each other
And that family does not exist merely for us
God desires to use it to save the world
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved
The world needs what you and I have
There is no place in the Bible that mentions discipleship apart from making new believers
When SarahAnn was little – she had a lot of life change – 2 years old, sister born, moved to CT away from grandparents and people she was used to – we visited churches, pre-schools, and kept meeting new folks
Told SarahAnn we were making new friends – in a new place
Finally, she had had enough – going to a church, I took her to the nursery and she steadfastly refused to go in – “No new friends! No new friends!”
Has been a joke at our house ever since –
Unfortunatley, some churches and some Christians make that their motto – No new friends
WE like what WE have here for US
The world desperately needs what we have – just like those 5 foster sisters who finally found a caring community of believers – a spiritual family
In fact, that is God’s plan for the Church – His instrument to save the world
Why we love and accept one another, instruct one another, hold one another accountable, and encourage and support one another – Life Impact on the world
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved
Our Mission: Make disciples of Jesus Christ
Our Vision:
Here: Reach 10% of this community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ: with a mission focus on leading children to Jesus
There: Be a people of compassion: by serving those whom the world often discards or abuses
Everywhere: Be a global family of believers: with ministry partnerships on each continent
5 Helps for Families
Goal: Help children connect with others in community and also adjust themselves to community rules and expectations.
1) Help your child participate in children or student ministry opportunities at Mount Pisgah. Be a part of faith settings with other believers their own age (e.g., Sunday School, children’s choir, student worship, small groups, and retreats)
2) Share in the Mount Pisgah family BBQ today. Interact with other believers. Make new friends in Christ. Have fun.
3) Be a part of a family mission team where other families with children are your partners. Experience God’s grace together with fellow believers from here and in our global settings.
4) Encourage students to share in the Mount Pisgah confirmation experience that begins soon. Meet other students, grow in faith, experience a group of believers.
5) Help your student get connected in a campus ministry setting at their school. This is a great way to connect with other believers. Student Venture, FCA, Young Life are three great examples.
Allen R. Hunt 9/10/06
I. Some folks never find it – others find it by accident
That’s what happened to Alana, Amber, Chastity, Angela, and BJ
Chastity – mom and dad abused alcohol, been homeless, lived in 12 foster homes, physically hit in the head, and carried belongings from foster home to foster home in a garbage bag
Alana – father abandoned family, then to prison, mom drank, did not work, lived in cheap motel rooms, did not pay bills, all five of her siblings placed in foster home
Amber and Angela are blond twins – parents both sent to prison, lived with grandmother until she died
Bu they all found it at Robin and Wilson Wallace’s home in Henry County – where they lived with 9 other children in a foster home
These five were together for 5 years – developed foster girl sisterhood
Stand up for one another, play and hang out with one another, encourage one another, and share everything
Very different for Chastity hoarded her food when she first arrived and hid it in her room because she was used to not knowing when or if another meal would come
The Wallaces’ home is a foster home – funded largely by Truett Cathy and his ministry WinShape Homes – ministry offering hope and love to those who have none
Had such an impact on these 5 – when they all graduated together from Eagle’s Landing HS at the same time last year – 5 of 280 foster kids in Georgia who made it to graduation - they asked for special meeting with Robin and Wilson to ask them to promise that they would still be there for them
Robin said, “This is your home.”
For the first time in their life – Alana, Amber, Angela, Chastity and BJ found it
Home – family – unconditional love – hope – grace of God
Some folks never find it – some find it in unlikely places like a foster home
But we are made for one another – and that is God’s intention for the Church
II. We are made for each other – perhaps that is why
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
Family, brothers, sisters, etc..
Exactly what Acts describes here
Why Romans 12.4-5 puts it this way
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
We belong to each other
There is no such thing as a purely individual Christian – we belong to each other
Because we belong to the one Lord – we are His body
III. That means we
Love and accept one another (Acts 2.42-47; 4.32-37; John 13.34-35; Romans 12.10)
v.44 All the believers were together and had everything in common
4.32 – All the believers were one in heart and mind
Just like those 5 foster sisters found a place where they were loved and accepted just for who they are, because they had found a small Christian body there with the Wallaces
In same way, that is the Church
You have been claimed by the one Lord – you belong to Him
And so does each person around you – He binds us together
We share the same Bible, the same cup and loaf, the same baptism, the same manger, same cross, same destination, same Holy Spirit
You are not alone
And that is crucial to hear in a culture that grows more lonely every year
Study last year showed that average American has two friends in whom they can confide
In early 1990’s, it was three
Bowling leagues have ¼ of participation as did in 1960’s
Political volunteers in campaigns are ½ what were in 1960’s
PTA involvement ½
Fewer dinner parties, card playing gatherings, social visits in homes
Culture is growing more lonely
Church says – you’re not alone – being together makes your heart bigger, ends your aloneness
This is a place where we love and accept one another
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
+ Instruct one another (Acts 2.42; 1 Cor. 3.1-3; Heb. 5.11-14)
God desires to transform your life – to a rich, full life
And that transformation happens in a community of believers
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and t the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Email from friend who is sharing his faith with woman he knows in another country
She emailed back and said no matter how hard I try, how hard I pray, how hard I think, I do not experience the presence of God – He does not reveal Himself to me ever
He asked me, what should I tell her?
Tell her to find some other believers – she cannot do this by herself – we are made for each other
May be a church, may be a small group of 2 or 3 women who are believers – but surround herself with other believers – and will increase opportunity to meet God
Because we are made for each other – we instruct one another
Why the life groups and Crown groups that more than 600 of you are in this Fall are so important – we instruct one another
So that transformation can occur by God’s power – He shows up when we are together
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
+ _Hold one another accountable (Acts 2.42-47; 5.1-12; Romans 15.14; Heb. 10.24-27)
We need each other – another reason – we have a remarkable ability to deceive ourselves
Need someone to pull us out of the fog and remind us who we are
Ananias and Sapphira – deceived the church – stood before leaders and said were giving proceeds of their assets to ministry – after all, folks were selling possessions and goods
And Peter held them accountable – “You have lied to the Holy Spirit” (Acts 5)
Sometimes it is a small group leader, sometimes a Christian friend, sometimes a pastor
Not long ago, a man sat in my office and told me of the affair he has been conducting with a woman in another city for several years
He explained to me all the reasons he was doing it – all the issues in his marriage, all the pressures of his life – he had convinced himself that it was OK
And what he needed to hear was not, “It’s OK.”
He needed to hear the simple question, “Do you consider what you are doing adultery?”
“Well, I guess the Bible would describe it that way.”
“Are you a follower of Jesus? Do you believe that the Bible is true?”
“Well, yes. I guess I am committing adultery.”
That is why he was in my office – deep down he knew that what he was doing was wrong
Just needed a brother to tell him that – pull him out of the fog of self-deception
We hold one another accountable because
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
+ And encourage and support one another (Acts 2.45; 2 Cor. 8.4; Gal. 6.2; Heb. 10.24-27)
They gave to everyone as he had need…ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people…
This week, two very good men in the Mount Pisgah family passed away
And in doing so, they were not alone
More importantly, their families were surrounded by their brothers and sisters in Christ
Each Tuesday night, about 50 folks gather in South Hall for Celebrate Recovery – hurts, habits and hangups – to encourage and support one another in a 12 step Christ –centered group – one of dozens of support groups who meet here each week with 100’s of participants
(Perhaps use story of Catherine here if have time)
You are not alone
220 times between Acts and Revelation We are family
III. Result = Life Impact (Acts 2.47; 5.14; 6.7; 9.31; 11.21; 12.24; 14.1; 2 Cor. 6.14)
We are family because God desires to have a life impact – we have something that the world needs – home, family – we are made for each other
And that family does not exist merely for us
God desires to use it to save the world
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved
The world needs what you and I have
There is no place in the Bible that mentions discipleship apart from making new believers
When SarahAnn was little – she had a lot of life change – 2 years old, sister born, moved to CT away from grandparents and people she was used to – we visited churches, pre-schools, and kept meeting new folks
Told SarahAnn we were making new friends – in a new place
Finally, she had had enough – going to a church, I took her to the nursery and she steadfastly refused to go in – “No new friends! No new friends!”
Has been a joke at our house ever since –
Unfortunatley, some churches and some Christians make that their motto – No new friends
WE like what WE have here for US
The world desperately needs what we have – just like those 5 foster sisters who finally found a caring community of believers – a spiritual family
In fact, that is God’s plan for the Church – His instrument to save the world
Why we love and accept one another, instruct one another, hold one another accountable, and encourage and support one another – Life Impact on the world
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved
Our Mission: Make disciples of Jesus Christ
Our Vision:
Here: Reach 10% of this community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ: with a mission focus on leading children to Jesus
There: Be a people of compassion: by serving those whom the world often discards or abuses
Everywhere: Be a global family of believers: with ministry partnerships on each continent
5 Helps for Families
Goal: Help children connect with others in community and also adjust themselves to community rules and expectations.
1) Help your child participate in children or student ministry opportunities at Mount Pisgah. Be a part of faith settings with other believers their own age (e.g., Sunday School, children’s choir, student worship, small groups, and retreats)
2) Share in the Mount Pisgah family BBQ today. Interact with other believers. Make new friends in Christ. Have fun.
3) Be a part of a family mission team where other families with children are your partners. Experience God’s grace together with fellow believers from here and in our global settings.
4) Encourage students to share in the Mount Pisgah confirmation experience that begins soon. Meet other students, grow in faith, experience a group of believers.
5) Help your student get connected in a campus ministry setting at their school. This is a great way to connect with other believers. Student Venture, FCA, Young Life are three great examples.