This is the second of a series of messages on Community. This is week 2 of 5 that focuses on Manna and Ministry
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Welcome to Week 2 of our Community Series, where we delve deeply into the themes of Manna and Ministry. Together, we will explore what it means to be an authentic community of believers, particularly focusing on the biblical frameworks of fellowship and service.
This week, we will be dissecting the concepts drawn from Deuteronomy 29:1-6, Ecclesiastes 5, Acts 2:42-47, and Hebrews 10:19-25. Each of these passages contributes to our understanding of the richness of community as encapsulated by the church.
The Foundation of Community: Ekklasia.
Incorporating new vocabulary into our lives aids our grasp of biblical expressions of community. As we do this, we can begin to articulate our faith and engage more deeply with one another.
The Eucharist
The Eucharist, or communion, is an integral part of Christian fellowship. Celebrating the Eucharist allows us to embody the profound relationship we have with Christ. Next week, as we partake in this sacred act, we will emphasize its significance in creating intimacy within our community.
Koinonia: Fellowship Beyond Friendship
Last week's discussion centered around "one another" passages — more than 100 biblical verses that instruct us on how to relate to each other. These passages lay the foundation for understanding our communal identity and responsibilities as the Body of Christ.
Theme Verse
Our theme verse for today is Romans 12:4-5 (NIV):
"For 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, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
This verse encapsulates the essence of our series by describing the interconnectedness of Christ's body and each member's role in our communal faith journey.
Reflecting on Community: Whom Are We?
Community at LWC prompts us to ask essential questions: What could God accomplish within us and through us if we fully engage with Him? Our focus must not just be on the potential of what God wants for our community but also on how we can align ourselves with that vision.
Maximizing Community Potential
To maximize our community potential, we must confront key questions:
- Who are we?
- What does God expect from us?
- How can we apply truths from the Gospel as believers?
Exploring these questions requires us to engage deeply and intentionally with each other.
Community Structure: C-O - Christ and Others
Our community structure emphasizes two focal points: Christ as the chief cornerstone and the essential "others" within our community. By fostering a robust relationship with Christ, we can better understand our call to service and fellowship with one another.
The Structure of Our Sermon Series
We are currently in a four-part series, with a bonus mid-week lesson designed to deepen our understanding of community engagement:
1. CO (Christ & Others) - Completed.
2. M&M (Manna & Ministry) - Today’s focus.
3. U-iN? (You In?)
4. The IT Department (Intercession and Truth)
Our bonus mid-week lesson, Yield Ahead, will explore how our willingness to submit to God's will cultivates transformative community dynamics.
Review of Previous Discussions
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| A child helping is dad with groceries. |
- Christ in us and Christ in the world through our actions.
- The assurance that salvation comes through Christ alone, not through works; however, good works are a natural byproduct of our salvation.
As we understand our role in the local church, we must recognize that we are the visible Body of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope and love.
The Essence of Koinonia
The term Koinonia goes beyond mere acquaintance or friendship. It embodies a profound, active sharing of life and purpose with God and fellow believers. This definition highlights a unified life, characterized by shared beliefs and mutual participation in God's work, echoing the experience of the early church.
M&M Good: Manna and Ministry
To contextualize today’s message, we will use M&M’s to highlight the dual themes of Manna and Ministry. Each of you received a small package to remind you of the goodness often associated with simple treats.
History of M&M’s
Understanding Our Need for Manna
To grasp the essence of Christian community, we can look back to the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Despite their trials, God provided Manna—a symbol of His sustenance, mercy, and grace.
Just as the Israelites depended on God during their journey, we too must recognize that our community exists through divine provision. We are reminded that God's grace enables us to overcome our challenges and extend that grace to others.
Ministry: The Outflow of Love
Ministry emerges from the love God pours into our hearts. If we claim to love without actions demonstrating that love, we risk becoming like a clanging gong—loud but ineffective.
Instead, our gatherings and fellowship ought to lead to meaningful actions reflecting our faith. As we serve one another, we embody the principle that we are blessed not only for our sake but for the benefit of others in Christ’s name.
The Acts of the Early Church
The day of Pentecost marked a transformation in the early church's approach to ministry. They committed themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Their collective actions resulted from the Spirit's filling and bore witness to the transformative nature of God's love in their lives.
God’s economy promotes a cycle of giving:
1. God takes care of our needs. (Deut. 29:1-6)
— The people of God were taken care of regardless of their rebellion. He gave them manna and quail. He shortened their lives to limit their suffering. Their closes never wore out!
2. God uses us for others. (Eccl. 5:16-20)
— We need to understand that we need each other - we are God’s plan A (there is no plan B).
3. God gives witness by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:42-47)
— the early church was formed by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to be filled with God’s care.
4. We must do our part! (Hebrews 10:19-20)
— Each of us are to do our part! We are part of the same body of Christ.
These principles guide our understanding of the ministry—both within our church and out into the community around us.
Oinkonomia! — God’s economy. His plan for the World!
Conclusion: Community Moves Us to Action
As we reflect on the concepts of Manna and Ministry, let us remember that community is meant to move us to action. We are not a museum of saints but an active ministry to those in need. The goal is to act in the name of Jesus, serving as vessels of His love and grace.
Call to Action
We are:
- Saved to serve.
- Blessed by God.
- Blessed for God.
Let us commit to being the church, functioning on purpose and loving intentionally.
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Community at LWC
We are a ministry of the Wesleyan Church with a heart for community, and we are dedicated to discovering what God could do in us and through us if we let Him.
Closing Hymn
Join us in praising God through the closing hymn led by Nicole and Joanna.
Benediction
As we move forward, let us reflect on Ephesians 3:20-21:
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
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In this article, we have explored the profound themes of Manna and Ministry, emphasizing the essential nature of community. Through historical examples, biblical texts, and practical applications, may we inspire each other to act in love and purpose as we walk together in faith. See the article from last week here.
