We are building a vibrant, dynamic, multi-ethnic community in the heart of Europe. God is the one who initiates the mission. The essence of being a follower of Christ is learning to know Christ \& to make him known. The gospel (good news) is the reason behind all Christian practice in our world. Our faith and our hope should impact all of God’s creation \& every sphere of life: family, religious practice, government, law \& legislation, education, child development, research \& science, business \& investments, health care, the arts \& media, animal welfare, oceans and marine biodiversity.
John 17:15-18 (NLT)
I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.
ONE MISSION DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS.
On 6 May 1954 in Oxford, a young medical student was the first person to run one mile (1.7 km) in under four minutes. His name was Roger Bannister. He ran one mile in 3:59.4. That was just 0.6 of a second. 0.6 seconds may seem small, but it broke a psychological barrier many considered unbreakable or physically impossible to overcome.
That day, Bannister \& his friends, Chris Chataway \& Chris Brasher, showed the world that barriers can be broken when we run together. Bannister’s record lasted only 46 days before an Australian man, John Landy, set a new record for the mile.
Today, many people can run one mile in under four minutes. To break psychological barriers, we need to have collective strength and endurance.
THE STRENGTH OF ‘THEY’
Collective strength will always be greater than individual strength.
Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)
All the believers devoted THEMSELVES to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met TOGETHER in one place and shared everything they had. THEY sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
This verse of the bible shows us the strength of ‘they’. ‘They’ is greater than ‘I’. The collective is more effective than the individual. The key to progress is ME becoming WE. One question to always ask yourself is this: ‘Do I want to make it better for us?’
When more people are involved, the joy is greater, the wins are easy to see, and the losses don’t seem so big. When fewer people are involved, the joy is reduced, the wins are harder to see, and the losses are easier to see. The farmer’s sacrifice is rewarded with a harvest. The parents’ sacrifice is rewarded with their children’s progress. A church’s sacrifice is rewarded with future generations serving God’s purposes.
7 REASONS TO STAY CONNECTED TO A GOD-FOCUSED COMMUNITY - 1 PETER 5 (MSG)
1 - YOU WILL DEVELOP MATURITY
2 - YOU WILL LEARN GODLY WISDOM
3 - YOU WILL BE STRENGTHENED IN YOUR FAITH
4 - YOU WILL BE SUPPORTED IN YOUR CHALLENGES
5 - YOU WILL BE CARED FOR
6 - YOU WILL LEARN TO CARE FOR OTHERS
7 - YOU WILL BE CHALLENGED TO KEEP GROWING
God’s mission invites us into something far greater than personal success or individual achievement. Just like Roger Bannister broke a seemingly impossible barrier with the help of those who ran alongside him, we are reminded that spiritual and community growth happen when we walk together in faith. When we stay connected to a God-focused community, we position ourselves for growth, support, maturity, and purpose.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
- Write down the “One Thing” that stood out to you from today’s message. How can you see this in your day-to-day life and apply it this week? Who can you share it with?
- Inwhat practical ways can you invest your time, gifts, and encouragement to strengthen others around you this week?
- Take a moment to reflect this week. Are you actively staying connected to a God-focused community, or are you trying to grow in faith on your own? What steps can you take to let go of what holds you back?
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us into Your mission and calling us to be part of what you are doing. Help me to grow in my relationship with You and with each other. Teach me to move beyond individualistic thinking and embrace the strength that comes by staying connected to community. I want to know you more and make you known in the world around me, Amen.