Biblical Community: God's Design for Transformation

January 11th, 2026
by Pastor Jon Cannon

Sermon Notes for 11 January 2026

Biblical Community: God's Design for Transformation

Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV)
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

Let's lean into the subject of Biblical Community...

1. Community Flows From the Nature of God

Genesis 1:26 (NKJV) “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’”

2. Community Is Where Identity Is Formed

Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV) “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

Let's breakdown this verse:

a. No More Outsiders - “You are no longer strangers…”
Meaning that a stranger has no relationship, no history, and no rights.

b. No Longer Temporary or Distant - “You are no longer strangers and foreigners…”

c. Shared Identity - “You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints…”

d. Family, Not Just Fellow Believers - “You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…”

3. Community Is the Environment for Spiritual Growth

Acts 2:42 (NKJV) “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

4. Community Is Where Burdens Are Carried

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

5. Community Provides Spiritual Protection

Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NKJV) “For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls…”

TAKE-AWAY

Community is not about convenience—it is about conformity to Christ.
We are formed, protected, healed, and sent together.
Christianity is personal—but never private.

Will you give your life to Jesus today?

Pray this prayer to receive Jesus as your Savior:

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

Assurance of Salvation

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”