WHY COMMUNITY?
WHY SHOULD WE COMMIT TO COMMUNITY?
- BECAUSE OF DESIGN: We call called to community because of design – the way that we were created. We are created as social beings. We were created to live in relationship to God, in relationship to each other, and in relationship with creation. God designed us to be relational—it is our very nature, and it is one way in which we reflect the image of God. And only when we live in community do we fully reflect the likeness of God. Community is not optional as beings created for relationship.
- BECAUSE OF LONLINESS: Even before the Fall, God created us as social beings. What does the creation account say in Genesis 2:18 “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that…. the man should be alone.” God provides community for the human creature. It is not good that a person should be alone (v. 18). After providing a garden and granting freedom, still one problem must be solved—loneliness. God forms animals but they cannot solve the problem of human loneliness. The animals are brought to adam for a response. He names the animals and although these creatures were made of the earth like the human creature, the animals cannot fulfill humanity’s need for community (vv. 19–20). Therefore, the human community is formed (2:25). God has formed humanity and provided for its life: food, freedom, and now family and community.
- BECAUSE OF CHRIST: We belong to the new community in Christ. We are members of the Body of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 5:14 explains this. “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” So the basis for our relationship with one another as the covenant community of Christ comes down to this. You and I have this in common – all of us have sinned, all of us have rebelled against God, every one in this room is guilty, no one is completely innocent and all of us are in need of a righteousness that goes beyond our own and have found that righteousness in Jesus Christ. That is what unites us as a community. What we have in common is this – all of us have fallen short of the glory of God. All of us, in all our acts of righteousness, found that righteousness to be lacking, and Christ has filled in the gap with His righteousness. With His life, with His death and with His resurrection, He has purchased us anew. He has reconciled us to Himself in Christ. So the commonality we share is something that never changes. We are sinners in need of grace, and that grace has been extended to us in Jesus Christ. That’s bedrock. That’s the basis.
WHAT SHOULD A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY LOOK LIKE?
The Scriptures clearly call us to community but how should these relationships operate? Here are some passages that set a foundation for Christian Community.
ACTS 2:42-47
they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
ACTS 4:32-35
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
2 CORINTHIANS 9:7-14
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver…He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others…
HEBREWS 13:16
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
What is described in these verses are a Community of Fellowship
We get the English word fellowship from the Greek word Κοινωνία – which means Commonness (holding things in common), Participation, Sharing, Association. Fellowship is literally a shared life together where all things are held in common for the good of others and the mission of God. God has gathered us into a fellowship. Not just to share thoughts, and ideas…but to share everything together. To have deep care and concern for one another.
Fellowship is this idea that we, as people of God, work together in all things that we do for the mutual benefit of everyone. Fellowship is this idea that everyone is welcome. When people become Christians they want to spend all their time with other Christians, and they become concerned about them. The proof of Christianity is that it changes people, it gives them a new birth, and they belong to a new family. And this new family bond is deeper than natural or social or national ties. It is a fellowship.
In this fellowship there is a certain way we treat one another. Our commitments to one another at Garden City Church are found in these Community Building Practices:
