Community is a fundamental need — and yet it's also an acquired taste. We all say we want it. And we all have reasons we're avoiding it.

In this message we take on one of the most avoided topics in the Christian life: biblical community. Using Genesis 2:18 — "It is not good for the man to be alone" — he makes the case that God is Himself a community (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), and He created us to need each other. Not as a suggestion. As a design.

Pastor Josh Finley

"I have to follow Jesus FOR myself — but I can't follow Jesus BY myself."

5 Excuses We Use to Avoid Community:

• Naivety — "I only need God." But Adam was in perfect, sinless relationship with God and God still said it wasn't enough for him to be alone.

• Temperament — "I'm just an introvert." There's no verse in the Bible where Jesus said, "When the extroverts gather." No one is the exception.

• Fear of the Unknown — We build wild scenarios in our heads. Most small groups are just ordinary people trying to follow Jesus together.

• Past Experiences — Been hurt before. Got the scar. But more mature people cause growth. Less mature people cause growth. Even the annoying ones cause growth.

• Busyness — Timothy Keller said it best: "Everyone says they want community, but because it takes accountability and commitment, we run the other way."

4 Benefits of Engaging Community:

• Security — Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Pee Wee Reese putting his arm around Jackie Robinson at the height of opposition. When we're surrounded, we get grounded.

• Clarity — The Johari Window: you need someone who knows you, protects you, is honest with you, and will grow you. Isolation feeds delusion.

• Longevity — Hebrews 10:25. Not giving up is a group project. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

• Maturity — Matthew 22:36-40. You only love God as much as those you love the least. Your next spiritual step is tied to someone else's first.

We have to get this right. A lot is at stake.

Key scriptures: Genesis 2:18 | Romans 12:4-5 | Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 | Hebrews 10:19-25 | Matthew 22:36-40