Intentional Community | Blake Houston

Matthew 16:18 NIV

18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

  

Jesus never called people to follow Him alone. 

 

John 13:35 NIV

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

 

Colossians 3:12-17 NIV

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 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. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

I. THE IDENTITY OF COMMUNITY

 

Colossians 3:12a NIV

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved...

 

You are not tolerated by God. You are cherished.

 

Community doesn't start with what we do - it starts with who we are.

 

I. THE IDENTITY OF COMMUNITY

II. THE FOUNDATION OF COMMUNITY

 

Colossians 3:12b-14 NIV

12 ...clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

  

Without love, humility becomes self-righteousness.

Without love, kindness becomes manipulation.

Without love, patience turns into passive aggression.

Without love, forgiveness is just a transaction.

 

I. THE IDENTITY OF COMMUNITY

II. THE FOUNDATION OF COMMUNITY

III. THE POSTURE OF COMMUNITY

 

Colossians 3:15-16a 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 in you richly…

 

Where peace rules, division doesn't stand a chance.

  

“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 

Colossians 3:17 NIV

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

Ephesians 2:13 NIV

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

 

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