How did we discover almost half the nation in this situation?
It’s alarming to hear the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, raise the flag on a growing threat that surpasses the reach of COVID — the silent epidemic of a giant known as loneliness. This issue plagues not only our nation but millions of lives worldwide, leaving us yearning for genuine connection and communal belonging.
Whether we believe it or not, loneliness goes beyond physical isolation. It stems from a lack of quality relationships and meaningful connections. As Dr. Murthy shared, what’s most alarming about the epidemic of loneliness growing are its increasing deathly consequences:
- A 29% increased risk of heart disease.
- A 32% increased risk of stroke.
- A 50% increased risk of developing dementia for aging adults.
So, how do we move forward to reclaim a healthy culture of connection and bid farewell to this silent giant forever?
While our Postmodern culture yearns for friendship and companionship, humanity greatly desires something deeper — a true sense of fellowship.
This Biblical term, “fellowship,” corresponds to the Greek word “Koinonia,” signifying a profound communion with God and others. Koinonia transcends mere friendship. It’s more! Koinonia embodies a Godly relationship where we wholeheartedly share our lives with God and, secondly, with others for the betterment of all.
Thankfully, all hope is not lost. We can rekindle the spirit of Koinonia here in Fort Worth, our nation, and throughout the world, as exemplified by the early church in Acts 2:42-47:
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
The early church of Acts devoted themselves to a togetherness of Koinonia steeped in Biblical teaching, fellowship, communal meals, and prayer. Through this divine unity, they experienced awe-inspiring wonders, selflessness, and divine favor, with new believers added daily — people who had no concept of or relationship with Jesus (God).
Togetherness is at the core of our triune God’s nature and part of His plan for His people. When we gather together in Koinonia, with Jesus at the center, we align ourselves with God’s will, identity, and purpose for our lives in concert with others. This Spirit-led unity of togetherness in Koinonia fosters spiritual growth, equips us for life’s challenges, and guards against the epidemic attacks of loneliness, doubt, and unbelief.
As we pray tonight, let us anticipate something extraordinary, just as the early church of Acts witnessed. Let us embrace the challenge of wholeheartedly devoting ourselves to the same key practices with our neighbors: embracing Biblical teachings, fostering fellowship, sharing communal meals, and engaging in prayer.
May the presence of Koinonia be noticeably palpable in our lives and in every interaction—where we work, live, and play. By embracing these transformative actions empowered by the Spirit, we can cultivate a genuine culture of connection rooted in Koinonia, impacting lives in our Fort Worth communities and campuses.
And as we praise God, His divine favor will manifest, expanding His Kingdom and reversing the loneliness epidemic. Let us Koinonia together, anticipating something special happening, God’s remarkable presence and power made known in Fort Worth, our nation, and the world.
See you at 8 pm tonight via Zoom.
God bless,
Pastor Alvin & Mallary Brown
alvin@makingamosaic.com :: mallary@makingamosaic.com
P.S.S. Mark your calendar and join us for food and fun at The Brown’s house (text The Browns for location details).
Sunday, May 21st @ 5 pm
Sunday, June 4th @ 5 pm
General Prayer Requests & Updates
For evangelism to flourish so communities and campuses in the greater Fort Worth area will be reached, and the lost will see and experience the love of Christ and be drawn to his kingdom.
For signs and wonders to follow the preaching of His Word.
For team unity and laborers to help carry the load.
For finances and provisions.
For fully funded campus missionaries (2 per campus) to help reach the next generation — University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), Texas Christian University (TCU), Tarrant County College (TCC), Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) and Tarleton State University – Fort Worth (TSU).
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.