Koinonia (part 2)

Why home groups? When my head is full of scripture and teaching… when I attend every Sunday service, why do I need more? 

Home group is a home. You can come and meet people who accept you. You can eat good, fresh, homemade food. When you are tired you can sit and say nothing. You can ask for help. You can say what troubles you. You can ask for conversation or advice. You can cry with others when something is very hard to stand. You can laugh when you feel that something is crazy and you cannot help it. You can be proud when someone accomplished something, or a kid passed an exam or has his first teeth. Together everything is better, brighter, full of hope, full of future plans. Problems are smaller and enemies not that frightening. 

Home group is a church. We pray, read, study and worship. We learn from each other. I may know more details from Mark and you may be better in Psalms. You will explain David’s situation to me today, I will share my favorite chapter next week. I remember today a verse of God’s righteousness, and you remember a verse about His grace and love. You can tell me what He expects from His children, I can say that, even when it is hard to fulfill, He will always love us. I can play guitar, you can play drums, we can worship and play together. What a wonderful time playing and singing together without any special occasion.

Home group is a friend. Appreciation is never too much. I will often tell you that you are good at something. When my roof is leaking, I can share my problems. You can tell me that your neighbor is a good carpenter and can help. I have struggled with problems and share my story, now you can learn from my experience. I hurt someone, and can repent  with you for it.  You can see how someone was feeling when they hurt you last time. I have a busy day tomorrow and need help. You can come and take care of my children. I did something wrong.  You will tell me in love that it wasn’t good and what we can do together to help it.

Home group is love. I have learned more about you. I know that you are often very tired coming for our meeting. But I know that you like strawberries. I baked a cake with strawberries for you. You said something that hurt my feelings. Perhaps I feel bad and I don’t want to come next week…. But I decided to come to you and ask what happened. You told me about your hard day and now everything is clear. It wasn’t about me, it was about you.

How is this possible? We meet regularly… we gather to encourage every week. We eat together and talk. We know a lot about each other. We see more. We love each other more. Nothing could be missed. 

At home group, we learn how to be sensitive and loving to each other. And maybe my presence is not about me but others. They need me. They need my presence, my word, song or that delicious strawberry cake. When you look at someone’s face you immediately know what is going on. The spot on his shirt is not water but tears. 

With this knowledge I can go to the world, to work, and school. I feel good knowing that there is a group of “my closest people in the world” who are always there for me. Even if I make mistakes I am accepted and I always get a second chance. 

With this knowledge I can go to the world and see more in others. I can see if they are in need and I can help in many ways. I know that people sometimes don’t need money… they just need time and attention. All we need is love, acceptance and forgiveness.So, let’s go and share…. starting at home, let’s go on a mission.…

-Kasia  Newswanger

Koinonia (part 1)

We have a pretty good church here at One27. In fact, this is a really good church, full of amazing, talented people. More importantly, not only do we have a lot of great talent, we have people whose hearts are truly committed to Christ and His kingdom as the One Thing in their lives. But, as I read the opening chapters of the Book of Acts, I can’t help but feel a sense of longing. There is something that they had, that I long to see more of. As I read Luke’s account of the early church, I sense such joy and passion. There were so many rich and exciting things happening. And all of this goodness, was occurring in spite of terrible hardship. We are currently living in a culture and historical time that desperately needs such an outpouring.  How do we get there?

Connected but Alone

The cell phone has become ubiquitous. We are the most connected society ever. For most people, every minute of the day is spent in connection with hundreds (or every thousands) of “friends”. People do not even go the toilet alone anymore! And yet, loneliness and its consequences are rampant. Although we are constantly in connection with many people, the connection is shallow and artificial. Instead of satisfying our thirst for intimacy, social media just makes us feel more alone as we watch a display of how perfect our “friends” lives are.

Church should be different. But sometimes it isn’t. I have had the experience of attending a church function, surrounded by kind friendly people, and yet still feeling alone. It is possible to go to a Sunday morning service, experience Spirit filled worship and Divinely inspired preaching, shake hands with a bunch of genuinely caring people and then go home still desperately alone in the world. We need something more.

The “secret sauce”

In Acts 2, we read about a church that had unity and excitement. They were seeing prayers answered and miracles occurring. We are told that new believers were added to their number every day! Acts tells us that “everyone was in awe” of the early church. Wow. I don’t see non-christians looking at today’s church with awe and amazement. So, what is the secret? What did that first century church have that made everything so rich?  

To answer the question, we need to look closely at the description of the church in Acts 2:42-47. We read that they were devoted to four things. Two of them were the Apostles teaching (for us preserved as the Bible) and prayer. I think we, here at One27, can definitely check those two boxes. It also says that they were devoted to “the breaking of bread.” This does mean eating together but is also a euphemism for participating in the Lord’s supper or communion. There is something very rich and important in the sacraments of the church.  

Then finally, they were devoted to fellowship. Now, we have had a few very good potluck dinners and I always see people smiling, talking and shaking hands after service, but there is a hint that this is something more. The greek word is Koinonia.  To understand this idea, we just need to read a few verses further along. In Acts 2:44 -46 we see 4 traits that reveal what koinonia looks like in practice and how to get it. First, they were together.  Their interactions were not just Sabbath morning at the temple. They went out of their way to be together through the week. Second, “they held all things in common” and were distributing “to all, as any had need.” Now, I am not saying that we should start a hippie commune. But clearly, there is an expectation that we in the body of Christ take care of each other and are extravagantly generous with each other. This requires humility on the part of giver and recipient. It also requires that our lives are open to each other, so that specific needs are known.

Then finally, in verse 46, we come to what I think is the “secret sauce.” That powerful, almost magic ingredient that differentiates a vibrant life filled community from church-as-usual. Here, I like the phrasing of the NASB: “day by day” and “from house to house.” You see, they were intimately involved in each others real lives on a daily basis. It is this closeness of a “Life-Lived-Together Community” that transforms a good church into a powerful, awe-inspiring Christ glorifying body. Of course, the real work is done by Holy Spirit moving in hearts, putting words in our mouths, and doing miracles in the world around us. But He chooses to do these things in people who position themselves appropriately to receive His work. I believe that the most powerful tool for getting into that position is Life-Lived-Together Koinonia.

-Jeff Newswanger

Free from Shame

It’s 6:00 AM. You’ve just nestled into your prayer chair. Steaming cup of coffee in hand, The Passion Bible in your lap, soaking instrumental music playing softly in your ear. The perfect start to your morning prayer time. Then, out of nowhere, it strikes. The lies, the loss, the abuse, the pain, the hurt, and the disappointments of the past come rushing in like a flood.

Shame is a terrible spiritual force. A prison that shackles the mind as firmly as chains can bind the body. Jesus died to loose the bonds of sin and shame and set the captives free! Hebrews 12:2 says, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God“ (NKJV)

The word “despised” used here is a translation of the Greek word kataphroneo, which means to look down upon, think poorly of , abhor, detest, disdain, or loathe. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus literally “despised” the cross. The word “shame” is the Greek word aischune and describes something that is base, ugly, revolting and grotesque. When the writer of Hebrews used this word, he was communicating to the reader the absolute disgrace and embarrassment Jesus endured as He hung naked on the cross. In that gruesome moment, Jesus felt shame. If you’ve ever experienced these feelings, take comfort. Jesus felt them too.

Isaiah 53:5 so beautifully portrays how Jesus not only felt our shame but He paid the price for that shame. “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” It was a great exchange. Jesus literally took our shame upon Himself and paid the full price for any disgrace that would ever try to defile and torment our lives. Once and for all, we are free from the bondage of shame through His own blood.

Because Jesus personally encountered such physical and mental agony, Hebrews says, He is able to completely sympathize with all our feelings. Therefore, with confidence, we can come boldly before God’s throne of grace and receive what we need in prayer. We can walk right into His presence without fear or hesitation. In fact, it’s His delight to hear our cry and answer us. We are redeemed sons and daughters of The King. “Though your sins stain you like scarlet, I will whiten them like bright, new-fallen snow! Even though they are deep red like crimson, they will be made white like wool!” Isaiah 1:18 (TPT). We are white, bright, and clean. We don’t have to cower under the shadow of shame anymore.

You will never hear your Father say, “Shame on you!” In fact, the Word of God promises, “...the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame” Romans 9:33 (NIV). Never again allow yourself to approach your heavenly Father in prayer with self-pity and shame. Jesus already paid the cost in full. It is finished! You are FREE!

-Becky Brummett

Practical Tips for Spending Time in the Prayer Room

Life can often move very fast, and sometimes it’s just downright difficult to slow down—and when we do, there are many things vying for our attention. This should cause us to be more intentional as we spend time in the presence of the Lord.

When you come to the Prayer Room, it is a good idea to have a general plan for how you will spend your time. Below are some practical suggestions that may be used in order to help you focus, engage with Jesus, and enhance your Prayer Room time.

General Tips

• Develop a Bible study action plan and follow it. This may include a specific topic such as “The Knowledge of God,” “Your Identity in Christ,” “Justice”, etc... Continually studying the love of God, intimacy with Jesus, and the knowledge of God will help sustain your time in the prayer room.

• Pray and Study the Apostolic Prayers, located on the Prayer Room table.

• Have a prayer plan, which may include: meditating on a particular passage, declaring His promises, individual intercession, praying in the Spirit, etc...

• Schedule time to take a short break away from others.

• Journal your thoughts and revelations. Write down your prayers.
  

During Worship: This format usually takes place at the beginning of a set and in transitions out of intercession. 

• Participate in singing the corporate worship songs.

• Engage in spontaneous singing and join in with what the Lord is saying and singing during that particular set.

• Follow along in the Bible with the theme and passage that is being used by the worship team. Example: if the team is singing “Holy is the Lord”, read and study Revelation 4 and 5.

• Journal any revelation you receive from the songs being sung.
  

During Intercession: This format is designed for corporate intercession, used by praying the word. One of our goals is for hearts and minds to engage in intercession together. 

• Turn off any devices such as phone or laptop.

• Engage in the spontaneous singing.

• Have your Bible ready so that you may follow along with the prayer leader (intercessor) on the microphone.

• Posture yourself in a position that helps you focus, such as standing or pacing.

• Pray on the microphone, when the prayer leader calls for volunteers.

• Pray in the Spirit or pray for someone or a group that’s on your heart.

Why on Earth? (The Necessity & Benefits of Intercessory Prayer)

“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven may Your name be kept holy, may your kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10 

Some may ask, “Why on earth do we need to pray so much?” This is a loaded question for ones who have learned to love the place of prayer! First and foremost: Our Father has commanded it! In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus used phrases like, “And when you pray” and “Pray like this.” This is not an “if” but a “when.” 

We also find prayer weaving through the whole ministry of Jesus in the book of Luke. During Jesus’ baptism in chapter three, He prayed and heaven was opened. Again in chapter five, although frequently surrounded by crowds of needy people, we find Jesus withdrawing to lonely places to pray. Jesus, later, retreats to a mountainside spending the entire night praying to God, and we could go on. The prayer life of Jesus in the book of Luke is definitely worth studying. Jesus prayed in public, in private, on mountains, during the day, and at night. Intimate, daily conversation with His Father was like breathing to Jesus and essential for His public ministry. If that was Jesus, how much more you and I! 

When we pray, we are partnering with God to bring heaven to earth. God desires dialogue. He could do it without us, but He wants to do it with us. Mike Bickle, founder of The International House of Prayer of Kansas City, explains our identity as a House of Prayer like this: “God speaks and it moves our hearts. Then, we speak it back to Him and it moves His heart. Then, He opens His hand and releases His resources into the earthly realm.” He goes on to say that the Lord is not looking for information. He’s looking for conversation. 

Jesus, too, practiced this dialogue with His heavenly Father. John 12:49 says, “For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken... So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” While on the earth, Jesus did and said exactly what His Father wanted Him to do and say. We can do the same. 

As sons and daughters, we are called to rule and reign and take dominion. God has made us a kingdom of priests. Therefore, our responsibility is to rule by prayer, just like Jesus did. I believe it was because of Jesus’ consistent prayer life, that John could end his book with the words, “Jesus did many other things as well, if every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” This leads me to end by asking, “Why on earth are we not praying more?” 

“Our Father in heaven may Your name be kept holy, may your kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10 

-Becky Brummett

The Necessity & Benefits of Corporate Worship

As an experienced healthcare professional for over 20 years, I’ve seen first hand the complexity and frailty of the human body.   Generally speaking, Homeostasis is the term used to describe the normal state of being within the human body.  Our bodies are constantly working towards this state through different metabolic processes so that we can function as the healthiest versions of ourselves.  The slightest disruption of this balance can cause significant health issues, some that could last a lifetime. 

The good news is that we have a good Father who is also called the Great Physician.  He knows just what it takes for the human body to function at it’s healthiest potential.  It’s interesting to consider that God often refers to His people as “the body of Christ” and has given us some great instruction through His Word on how to properly care for the body…his people, his prized possession.  Since He created us, He knows exactly what it takes to keep His body healthy and in proper balance.  Just like the human body, the body of Christ is meant to function as a whole… not independent from its other parts.  It’s necessary and beneficial to our spiritual health and well-being that His body function together in unity.  

Unity is attractive to God.  In Psalm 133, King David describes how pleasing it is to God when His people dwell (abide, remain)  together in unity.  One way that we can effectively dwell together in unity is to participate regularly in corporate worship gatherings. It’s interesting to know that the origin of the word “corporate” means “body” or “form into a body.”  There’s something special that happens when the body of Christ comes together to set our attention and affections on Him, the one that loved us and gave himself for us.  Although worship is not primarily about us, the benefits of this intentional act of corporate worship are priceless. King David expands his thoughts in the scripture by explaining that unity could be compared to scented oils or dew that flows from above, down to His people.  This imagery leads us to the understanding that God’s anointing and blessing flows from His head…which is Jesus Christ, down to His body…which is us.   When we worship God together as a body, The Holy Spirit finds this so attractive that He often increases our awareness of His presence,  blesses His people with peace and provides powerful anointing for many different areas of our lives.  It’s crucial to our spiritual health that we move God’s heart in these times of worship.  As we unfold Song of Solomon 4:9, we become aware that we literally ravish God’s heart with one glance from our eye.  Can you imagine how God must feel when His children, His bride come together in worship, declaring our love and desire for Him?  He’s undone!  It’s vital to our spiritual health and wellbeing that we have an understanding that we move His heart, even in our weakness,  with the simplest act of worship…. the slightest glance from your eye towards Him. 

Another benefit of participating in times of corporate worship would be having an increased awareness of our identity in God.  When we worship Him with thanksgiving, we come into agreement that He is Holy and worthy of praise.  He washes us with the water of His Word as we sing together biblical declarations of His goodness, mercy, justice and love.  As He draws near, we are reminded of our identity and how valuable we are to Him. From the place of feeling secure in His love, we become free to love him in return wholeheartedly.  Obedience becomes easy.  We also love others and begin see them more clearly as someone that God dearly loves and gave Himself for.  When we see the body of Christ as He sees them, criticism and judgment fade quickly away as we realize just how much He loves and values them…just as He loves and values us.  Seeing God’s people through His lens of love is a vital, necessary part of growing together as a healthy community of believers.  

As you come to the prayer room through the week or attend a weekend service, I invite you to recall the benefits of worshiping God together with other members of His body.  Recall His goodness and thank Him for it.  Remember the impact that you have on His heart with one glance from your eye.  Enjoy times of refreshing from His Word as you sing your love to Him.  Ask God to encounter you in worship.  It’s ok to ask.  Tell Him you want to meet with Him.  Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in His Word.  Although we’ve only scratched the surface of His benefits, ask Him to continually reveal more of Himself to you (Ephesians 1:17-19).  These times of revelation will sustain you in the place of worship and fuel your desire to encounter Him in both personal times or worship and in larger, corporate gatherings of believers.  He is unsearchable and so are His benefits.  Let’s enjoy God’s benefits together in worship, knowing that He is for us and longs to be with us.  

-Ray Hagen