The Family Table | Daniel Kolenda | Nations Church Sermons | 08/24/25

Praise the Lord: Gathering in His Name

Introduction to the Message

• The speaker invites the congregation to engage with God's word, specifically referencing Matthew chapter 18.

• Emphasizes an upcoming event, "Revive Orlando," highlighting its significance as a culmination of spiritual activities.

Importance of Small Groups

• Introduces "Belong Sunday" and a small group rush after service, stressing its importance for community connection.

• Differentiates their approach to small groups from other churches, stating it is foundational rather than peripheral.

Spiritual Significance of Gathering

• Discusses how large gatherings can lead to individuals feeling lost; small groups foster deeper connections among believers.

• Quotes Matthew 18:20, emphasizing Jesus' promise that He is present when two or three gather in His name.

Imagining Christ's Presence

• Invites the audience to visualize Jesus physically present among them, encouraging a more profound response to His presence.

• Suggests that awareness of Jesus’ presence would evoke strong emotional reactions such as worship or seeking healing.

Foundation of the Church

• Reflects on his first message at Nations four years ago and connects it with Matthew 16:18 about building the church.

• Clarifies that "church" (Greek: eklesia) refers not to a building but a gathering of people united for a purpose.

Understanding 'Eklesia'

• Explains that eklesia was used historically for various types of gatherings, not limited to religious contexts.

• Highlights that Jesus chose this term intentionally, focusing on community and purpose over physical structures.

The Power of Small Gatherings

• Stresses the importance of even small gatherings (two or three), reinforcing that Jesus promises His presence in these moments.

• Concludes by reiterating the significance of intentional gatherings among believers for spiritual growth and support.

The Power of Agreement in Faith

The Importance of Gathering in Unity

• Jesus emphasizes the significance of two or three believers agreeing on earth, promising that their requests will be fulfilled by God. This highlights the power of collective faith rather than individual requests.

• When two or three gather in Jesus' name, He is present among them, bringing divine power and the potential for miracles. This presence allows for the release of God's word and transformative experiences.

Community as a Spiritual Necessity

• The speaker stresses that small gatherings are not merely an alternative church style but essential for spiritual health; without them, Christians risk becoming malnourished in their faith.

• Engaging closely with other believers fosters character development and spiritual growth through patience, love, gentleness, and self-control—qualities that cannot be cultivated in isolation.

Personal Experience with Small Groups

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote from their early 20s when they led a cell group without prior experience or curriculum, emphasizing the organic nature of such gatherings. They highlight how sharing meals can enhance fellowship within the church community.

• During these gatherings, participants would read scripture together and share insights, leading to spontaneous moments where individuals felt inspired to prophesy or pray collectively—demonstrating the active presence of the Holy Spirit among them.

The Model of Early Church Gatherings

• The early church was not modeled after existing religious structures like synagogues or amphitheaters but was fundamentally based on shared meals similar to the Last Supper with Jesus and His disciples—a model often overlooked today.

• Communion has been reduced to a ritualistic practice rather than an opportunity for deep connection and reflection on community life as exemplified by Christ's last meal with His followers. This calls for a reevaluation of how communion is perceived within modern church practices.

The Significance of the Last Supper

The Revelation of Communion

• Jesus transformed the Passover meal by declaring that the bread represents His body and the wine symbolizes His blood, establishing a new covenant.

• This act was not merely symbolic; it became foundational for the early church's practices, as seen in Acts 2:42.

Early Church Practices

• The early Christians committed themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer—key elements that defined their community.

• "Breaking of bread" refers to shared meals centered on Christ, signifying belonging within God's family.

Paul’s Teachings and Table Fellowship

• Paul recounts his confrontation with Peter regarding table fellowship between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing inclusion in the gospel.

• Sharing meals was a radical expression of unity that broke down cultural barriers established by Jewish law.

Community Dynamics in Acts

• The early church exemplified unity through communal living—sharing possessions and meeting needs collectively.

• Their daily gatherings fostered a sense of awe and wonder among believers, attracting more people to their community.

Contending for Community Today

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of both intimate house churches and larger gatherings for spiritual growth.

• A balanced approach is necessary to reflect Jesus' love and generosity effectively within communities.

The Birth of the Church: A Model for Today

The Significance of Pentecost

• The location where Jesus taught and performed miracles, such as healing a lame man, is significant in understanding the early church's origins.

• The term "house" in reference to where the Holy Spirit fell on Pentecost is derived from the Greek word "oikos," which can also mean temple, suggesting a larger gathering than just an upper room.

• On Pentecost, 3,000 people were saved and baptized; this likely occurred in public spaces like temple courtyards rather than confined rooms.

Dual Nature of Early Church Gatherings

• The early church thrived through both intimate home gatherings and large public meetings, emphasizing that both settings are essential for spiritual growth.

• Corporate worship and personal fellowship are both necessary; believers need communal experiences alongside smaller group interactions for deeper connections.

Understanding the True Church

• Jesus' vision for His church transcends physical buildings; it is about community and relationships among believers.

• An interactive survey revealed more extroverts than introverts in attendance, highlighting diverse personality types within the church community.

Importance of Community Support

• The speaker identifies as an introvert but emphasizes the necessity of community support despite personal preferences for solitude.

• Believers need close relationships with others who can provide accountability, correction, and encouragement—essentially sharpening one another spiritually.

Real-Life Examples of Brotherhood

• A story about MMA fighter Nate Diaz illustrates how having supportive siblings or friends can help individuals face challenges effectively.

• The speaker stresses that doing life alone makes one vulnerable to spiritual attacks; having a supportive community helps believers withstand difficulties together.

Call for Love Within the Church

• There is a call for a "baptism of love" within charismatic churches to foster deeper connections among members. This love is crucial for building strong relationships that reflect Christ’s teachings.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Love

The Essence of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit is not solely for speaking in tongues; it embodies the spirit of love, pouring God's love into our hearts.

• Romans 5:5 emphasizes that God's love is spread through the Holy Spirit, a key insight recognized by early Pentecostal leaders.

Historical Perspectives on the Holy Spirit

• William Seymour, leader of the Azusa Street Revival, highlighted divine love as evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit amidst debates on spiritual gifts.

• Seymour defined charity (divine love) as essential to recognizing the presence of Jesus' spirit within individuals.

Love as Central to Spiritual Gifts

• Galatians 5 lists love as the first fruit of the Spirit, indicating its foundational role in spiritual life.

• Paul’s discourse in 1 Corinthians connects love with spiritual gifts, suggesting that without love, all other gifts are meaningless.

The Importance of Love Among Believers

• Paul stresses that even extraordinary abilities like speaking in tongues or performing miracles are worthless without love.

• True discipleship is marked by mutual love among believers rather than merely by miraculous signs or wonders.

A Story Illustrating Sacrificial Love

• A poignant story about a boy willing to give his blood for his sister illustrates sacrificial love—reflecting Christ-like devotion.

• This type of profound affection defines Christian community—not just shared beliefs but a willingness to sacrifice for one another.

Prayer and Unity in Love

Expressions of Love and Connection

• The speaker encourages expressions of love among participants, emphasizing the warmth and connection felt within the group.

• Acknowledgment of familial bonds is highlighted with phrases like "I love you, sis" and "I love you, bro," reinforcing a sense of community.

Prayer for Unity

• The speaker leads a prayer focused on unity, asking God to make them one as a demonstration of their discipleship through love.

• There is an emphasis on collective prayer, urging individuals to pray for those beside them as they would wish to be prayed for.

Overcoming Barriers to Love

• The prayer addresses various barriers such as unforgiveness, bitterness, envy, strife, and pain that hinder the flow of love within the community.

• A call for forgiveness and breakthrough is made, expressing gratitude for divine intervention that allows love to flow freely among members.