Love Like Jesus: Part 3 - "Breaks Bread" with Craig Groeschel

Jesus Breaks Bread: Life Together in Community

Scripture References

Primary text

• Acts 2:42-47
• Luke 7:34

Other references

• Acts 4
• Hebrews 10:25

Overview

Jesus not only came to save us—He came “eating and drinking,” showing that life with God is meant to be shared at a table, not lived in isolation. Acts 2 gives a picture of first-century believers who devoted themselves to teaching, prayer, and the breaking of bread so deeply that no one lacked anything and people were drawn daily to Christ. Pastor Craig contrasts that vibrant fellowship with our air-conditioned, garage-door-closed independence, then invites us to recover true community through gathered worship and committed life groups.

Main Points

1. How Jesus Came

• We often discuss why Jesus came; Luke 7:34 reveals how: “The Son of Man came eating and drinking.”
• He shared meals so frequently that critics labeled Him a glutton and drunkard.
• Meals in the New Testament were long, relational events where people experienced God together.
• Communion itself was born from Jesus breaking bread with His closest friends.

2. The Acts 2 Picture of Church

• Early believers “devoted” themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer—intentional, not accidental.
• Community effects: awe at God’s work, radical generosity, daily worship, and continual conversions.
• Challenge: “Does that look like your life?”

3. Why Community Is Harder Today

• Illustration: cultural shifts—from air-conditioners to attached garages, fences, caller ID, online shopping, and social media—have moved relationships behind walls and screens.
• Pastor Craig’s tongue-in-cheek “NCV” (New Current Version) of Acts 2 depicts modern believers too busy, too isolated, and spiritually empty.

4. Shared Faith vs. Private Faith

• Western culture celebrates independence; following Jesus requires dependence—on His grace and on His people.
• The goal is not merely a personal relationship with Jesus but a shared relationship with Jesus.

5. Two Places to Share the Love of Jesus

1. In gathered worship (church).

   • Hebrews 10:25 warns against “giving up meeting together.” Presence matters; transformation rarely happens on a podcast alone.
   • Average U.S. Christians attend once a month; one hour cannot shape a life. Families model priorities when they choose worship over convenience.

2. In a committed life group.

   • Long-term, consistent relationships spur believers toward love and good deeds.
   • Story: Eight families in Pastor Craig’s group have shared 15 years of remodeling homes, funding adoptions, watching kids, celebrating, grieving, and keeping one another on track. All 40 children still follow Jesus.
   • Community is imperfect—hurt feelings, marital strain, or discipline moments happen—but family stays.

6. An Invitation to Join or Lead

• Some listeners are called to start a group; many need to step through a doorway for the first time.
• Real life change happens “in circles, not rows.”

Key Truths

• Jesus revealed God’s love around a table; His followers should do the same.
• Biblical fellowship is intentional devotion, not occasional attendance.
• Cultural convenience fosters isolation; the gospel pushes us toward interdependence.
• Presence is powerful—worshiping, praying, and serving together transform lives.
• Committed community both meets practical needs and attracts seekers to Christ.

Response

• Prioritize weekly gathered worship; schedule around it instead of squeezing it in.
• Join or launch a life group that meets consistently and shares meals.
• Look for needs within your circle and meet them sacrificially.
• Re-evaluate habits (screens, schedules, fences) that keep you from people.
• Invite outsiders—friends, neighbors, co-workers—to experience your spiritual family.

Closing

Pastor Craig urged the church to trade garage-door independence for Acts-style fellowship. Authentic community won’t appear by accident; it is forged when believers decide to “break bread” and depend on one another. As our love becomes visible, God will “add to our number daily those who are being saved.”

“Jesus is too good for us to worship alone—we have to join our voices together.”

Prayer

Pastor Craig asked God to move listeners out of comfort and into community, to meet needs through one another, and to draw onlookers to Christ through the love they see.