The church that Jesus is building is …
1. A Community
God, in his very nature, is a community of three persons united as one, existing in loving relationship. When God created human beings he created them to also do life in community. When Jesus came to earth he lived out this value of community and priority of love. He did not do life in isolation. He was born into a family and he grew up in a family. When he began his ministry the first thing he did was choose twelve disciples to be with him. They ate together, walked together, talked together, travelled together, and ministered together during that entire time. He established a community and he infused it with his kind of love so that it would be a continuation and a reflection of the community he had always experienced with the Father and the Spirit before coming to earth.
When the church was birthed, this same kind of community continued (see Acts 2:42-47). Placing your faith in Christ was not just about beginning a new relationship with God but it was also about becoming part of a new community – a new family of brothers and sisters in Christ. In the first century, there was no such thing as being a Christian without being part of a community of other Christ-followers. Church is NOT a building that you visit from time to time OR even an event or meeting that you go to. It is a family or a community that God wants you to be a vital part of.
How does 'community' happen practically today? I think that there are a variety of ways, including building friendships, participating on a ministry serving team, or being part of a small group. A sense of community doesn't just happen. It can be awkward at times. It takes time and effort.
[Part 3]
Hi mark, I read love how you said that we are meant to be a family of God on earth, but what do you do when the church/community can’t handle you maybe because of some mental illnesses that made you socially ‘abnormal’ and told you they can’t handle you and you should leave? what do you do? how can you trust community again?
Dear Anon
Oh how I am praying for you right now.
I can see where you are coming from.
While I am not experianced in these kinds of things.I just want to remind you about an awsum God we have and He can help you through anything.
He’s the reason we have churches and communitys after all!!
Blessings!!
It’s ALL about Jesus. He is our ONLY HOPE and perfect lover of our soul. He IS coming! That’s a promise.
“DON’T WAIT” !!!
Shalom in Jashua HaMashiach
This is a song the WHOLE church needs to hear. Free mp3, accompaniment track, chord sheets and more available at http://www.soulkeepermusic.com/dontwa it.htm
Sorry about the links for “Don’t Wait” … You will have to copy and paste into your browser to hear this beautiful evangelism song.
Here is another link from God Tube. Shalom…
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=4c7cd72a5112e2f4df0c
Hi Anonymous,
This is not an easy question to answer.
If I were you, I would seek the Lord and wait on Him for His answer.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given him.” James 1:5
If the church asked you to leave then the church is not displaying what the Word of God teaches.
Furthermore the church belongs to Our Beloved Lord Jesus and not to the pastor and his congregation.
You should then seek to fellowship with believers who knows the Lord and will show you compassion and all the hallmarks of the New Testament Church.
City Life and many others are such fellowship that will be glad to have you.
Blessings!!!
Stephen
Dear Anonymous,
I emphatized with you. This is my precise observation. So called Christians cannot deal very well with people who are “different” from normal.
Most like to associate with the good, happy, clean but Jesus said it is not the Healhty who need a doctor but the sick and weary.
I believe Stephen Chia has said it very well, leave the Church which asked you to go for they do not demonstrate or deserve God’s grace.
Shalom.