Foundations of Faith // Community

1) Gathering in Groups (Small and Large)

Acts 2:42-47 

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 

Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV 

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

Colossians 3:15-16 NIV 

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

1 Corinthians 14: 26 NIV 

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 

2)Going and Growing (Ourselves and Others) 

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

3) Giving Generously (To What the Lord Cares About) 

1 John 3:17-18 NIV 

17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 

James 1:26-27 NIV 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 

Matthew 25:34-40 NIV 

Locally: 

Olive Crest (2%) - Olive Crest is a local non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children, and preserving the family … One Life at a Time. This is an amazing Christ-centered foster care and adoption agency that works directly with the state to accomplish these incredible goals. 

Care Net (2%) - Is a Pregnancy and Family Support Center here in the Pacific NW. CareNet provides compassionate practical care, accurate information, Biblical Truth, and life-affirming resources for pregnancy, sexual health & integrity, and abortion recovery. 

Nationally: 

World Relief Seattle (2%) World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world's greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence and oppression, as well as refugees, immigrants and displaced people groups. 

Brave Global (2%) - Organization out of Los Angeles that works with foster care systems and the department of justice to reach at-risk girls to provide education and support to prevent exploitation and combat the horrific realities of human trafficking. 

Internationally: 

Mission of Hope Haiti (2%) - Mission of Hope is a beautiful ministry that works in Haiti and the Dominican Republic focusing on nutrition, Christ-centered education, medical care, and church advancement. 

World Vision (2%) - One of the largest global Christian humanitarian organizations in the world. World Vision partners with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-13 NIV 

Questions: 

What are the benefits of gathering together as the church in large groups? 

What are the benefits of gathering in small groups? Why should we do both? 

What does Biblical Discipleship look like? 

What is one thing you can do this week to begin (or continue) to walk that out? 

Why do you think the God of the entire Universe would choose to change the world in and through humans? 

How does giving generously help display that principle