Community of Church

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible tells of God building a people. God does move on us and cares for us individually; however, he has created us to live in a community.

 It seems to be the thing today to talk about how hypocritical Christians are. Even we Christians seem to relish in tearing down one another for our many shortcomings. We are a broken people and until Jesus returns we have no ability to live fully the way God intends. This means that every day I desperately must depend on God’s grace and mercy. No where should I see that grace and mercy more than the church.

 “The assembly is made up of ordinary people, people themselves in need but also people willing to stand with the need of others. The assembly is also the community, which by the power of the Spirit and presence of the Risen One, is given now, as an earnest gift of all that God intends for the world, the bread and forgiveness that the world needs. The assembly is the community, therefore, that confess the enfolding presence of the triune God and is called to practice the word of forgiveness and the meal of resurrection.” – Gordon W. Lathrop

 In this quote Pastor Lathrop states that we are a people in need. From the leaders to first timers sitting on the back row, we are all in need.

The Church can only live out its purpose in community

• Only in community can we stand together and provide support
• As I see my own need I should find no cause to judge someone else.
• When my faith is weak I can depend on the faith of someone else. When they are weak I can have faith for them

It really is Jesus in us the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). It is a hope that is a witness to those that are still far off from Jesus. It is also a hope that brings life to one another.

I need the Jesus in you

 As a church we come together and we celebrate communion / the Lord’s Supper. As a community we come to the table confessing our sins before Jesus and accepting by faith His forgiveness and wholeness that is found only in His blood and broken body. As we seek forgiveness during the meal we must also seek the forgiveness of others and offer forgiveness to others. Sure the church often gets it wrong but I need your forgiveness!

How do you see church living out community?

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Quote is from the book, The Pastor: a Spirituality by Gordon W. Lathrop

Photo is my own: Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers GA

About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.