Disciples are not just saved from sin they are saved into a community of believers to live out the full implication of their salvation. It is true, faith begins with an individual decision, but after that it is corporate. Luke 17:20-21 tells us that the kingdom is among you. The greatest blessing of the kingdom happens in the corporate setting.
In the New Testament, there are at least forty-five ‘one another’ passages that speak of the corporate nature of faith in Jesus Christ. That is why the church needs not only a few prophets but to become a prophetic community, not only with words but also with action.
Our individualism makes church life at best optional and at worst non-existent. The most important thing about the Gospel is relationship. A church will only be as successful as its relationships. The church therefore is not a collection of individual Christian units meeting together as a congregation, never!
The effectiveness of each member exponentially increases when we are in life-giving relationships with one another. Relationships determine our overall kingdom impact. Long-term faithful relationships reveal consistency in marriage and in ministry and bring lasting fruit.
It would be helpful to remember some building blocks to become more effective in community:
- Be a servant
- Be loyal
- Keep communication flowing
- Empower others by releasing control
At the end of the day, we are social beings who are designed to live and thrive in community. As God’s family at All Nations, we are meant to be a family that welcomes people and gives them a place where they belong.
It’s time for you and me to ‘step into the ring’ – to join a Life Group and be more invested in other people. As you do this you will become aware that God always has His eyes on us, He puts the lonely in families.