1. First Baptist

4. So, how do you experience authentic community? So, how do you experience authentic community?

5. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ” Romans 12:9–13, ESV

6. Love authentically Hate Evil-Love good Love and Serve each other Serve the Lord Be Hopeful Be Patient in testing and tribulation Be Prayerful constantly Caring for needs of others Be Hospitable The Real you- 9 Meet real needs 10 For the right reason v. 11 In the right way 12

7. Outdo one another in Showing Honor

8. I. Jonathan and David model how to experience authentic community.

9. 7 Essentials for Biblical Community 1 Samuel18-20 Be aware God orchestrates Circumstances and Chemistry 1 Sam. 18:1-2 Be intentional We rarely drift into authentic community 1 Sam. 18:3 Be honest -- Share the last 10% 1 Sam. 19:1-5

10. “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. ” (Proverbs 27:5–6, ESV)

11. 7 Essentials for Biblical Community 1 Samuel18-20 Be aware God orchestrates Circumstances and Chemistry 1 Sam. 18:1-2 Be intentional We rarely drift into authentic community 1 Sam. 18:3 Be honest -- Share the last 10% 1 Sam. 19:1-5 Be available When crisis comes, “friends” arrive 1 Sam. 20:1-4

12. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. ” (Proverbs 17:17, ESV)

13. Be loyal – Don’t “shrink back” when things “heat up” 1 Sam. 20:5-17 Be vulnerable – Refuse to let fear or pride limit your relationships 1 Sam. 20:41-42 Be spiritual – Help them become an r12 Christian every day in every way 1 Sam. 23:15-18 7 Essentials for Biblical Community 1 Samuel18-20

14. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV) “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV)

15. II. David and Jonathan’s covenant with God was the basis for their devotion to one another.

16. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ” Jesus of Nazareth (John 15:9–13, ESV) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ” Jesus of Nazareth (John 15:9–13, ESV)

17. III. Jonathan and David’s relationship reveals that authentic community occurs when the real you meets real needs for the right reason in the right way.

18. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ” (Romans 12:9–13, ESV) “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ” (Romans 12:9–13, ESV)

19. “...that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ” Jesus of Nazarth (John 17:21, ESV) Authentic community is the core of Christianity. Authentic community is the core of Christianity.

20. How can you experience authentic community? How can you experience authentic community?

21. 1.Get connected in a spiritually positive, relational environment. Be aware Be intentional Be aware Be intentional

22. 2.Go deeper with one or two people in your group. Be honest Be available Be loyal Be honest Be available Be loyal

23. 3.Share and pray about a significant struggle or fear in your life with a safe person. Be vulnerable Be spiritual Be vulnerable Be spiritual

24. FBC