Linda and I have just finished our first week in our new Ilderton home. Many thanks to those who helped in various ways: prayer, food, and moving muscle to name a few ways. We have set up a semblance of home on the main floor, but dozens of boxes remain in spare bedrooms and the basement, and Linda hopes we don’t suffer from “out of sight, out of mind”. You can be my accountability partner by asking how I am doing with basement boxes in a couple of weeks!
Being “out of sight and out of mind” is how we can feel when we are disconnected from our faith community. When the inevitable difficulties of life come, do we have the connections within our faith community to help us? This week I met with our Life Group leaders and we talked about what Christian community looks like. Did you know that there are more than fifty “one another” commands in the New Testament? Many fit into one of three categories:
(1) Unity
-Be at peace with one another (Mark 9:50)
-Be of the same mind with one another (Rom 12:6, 15:5)
-Bear with and forgive one another (Col 3:13)
-Don’t challenge or envy one another (Gal 5:26)
(2) Love
-Love one another (numerous; John 13:34 and Rom 13:8 for example)
-Through love, serve one another (Gal 5:13)
-Be devoted to one another (Rom 12:10)
(3) Humility
-Give preference to one another in honour (Rom 12:10)
-Be subject to one another (Gal 5:21)
-Clothe yourselves in humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5)
In addition we “bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2)”, “comfort one another (1 Thes 4:18)”, “pray for one another (James 5:16)” and “encourage one another (1 Thes 5:11)”. This is just a small sampling of what Christian community can be. It is remarkable what God can provide to us in community with “one another” when we get involved. May I encourage you once again to consider leading, hosting or participating in one of our Life Groups? We recognize Life Groups don’t fit everyone’s circumstances at all times, yet for most of us Life Group ministry is one of the best ways to get involved in the “one another” ministry of CBC Ilderton. The result, when we “one another” effectively, is not only a healthy church, but a beautiful witness of the grace, truth, and power of the gospel!
Why not get out of your box and join a Life Group! See me for details.
Much love,
Pastor Gary