To Be...In Community

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March 8
Sunday after Sunday, our pastor reminds us of the importance to be in community. To worship together and to join a connect group and fellowship with one another during the week.  God did not create us to walk this earth alone.  Jesus called the twelve disciples and they were told to go make more disciples and establish churches where believers could encourage one another.

"The concept of self-reliance is wholly foreign to the Christian faith. We are created to need God and others.  We are designed for interdependence and community. There is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian...Trade self-reliance for the gift of dependence on the Spirit and interdependence with the saints."  Jen Wilkins

A great example of this is in Exodus 18 where Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, is speaking wisdom over him recognizing his potential burn out. He's advising Moses on sharing the load with other qualified men.

"Moses' father in law replied, 'What you are doing is not good.  You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.  Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you...So it will be easier for you, and they will bear burden with you.  If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure."
Exodus 18:17, 22-23

Paul was in the church planting business!  He had some great guidelines for helping Christian community flourish.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice!  Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mine, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace will be with you."  Greet one another with a holy kiss."  2 Corinthians 13:11-12

In addition to helping carry the work load, to encouraging one another and living in peace, singing praise and praying together; we are called upon to speak truth and remind one another of what is to come!

"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words."  1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

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