God has called the Church to exist and thrive together, so we must live in authentic community.

A biblical community is a group of people, living under God’s rule, who are learning how to love God more while loving one another.

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How can we live in authentic community?

1. Recognize we are in the same family

Ephesians 1:5–6 (NASB95) 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Ephesians 2:17–22 (NASB95) 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

2. Recognize we have the same

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NASB95) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 4:4–6 (NASB95) 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

3. Recognize we have the same

Ephesians 2:10 (NASB95) 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

4. Live in our diversity

Ephesians 4:3 (NASB95) 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:13 (NASB95) 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

5. Demonstrate one for another

Ephesians 5:1–2 (NASB95) 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

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Call To Action

1. Demonstrate love

2. Live in unity

3. Serve one another

4. Live as family

5. Live on mission