In round one of this three-part series, I talked about what we are supposed to say, as Christians, when people ask us about our faith. Today is about community, and why God wants us to use our communities to answer these questions and reach out to those who don’t know Him.
Why do laws sometimes get passed (or not passed) when people stand outside of government buildings and protest? Because a group of people says a lot more than one person does.
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” -Ecclesiastes 4:12
If no one else believed in Christianity, it would be much harder to convince someone of why they should believe…. of why YOU believe. When you are part of a small group at church, you are held accountable by other people, which can be much more motivating than doing a Bible study alone, right?
It is God’s desire for us to spread His good word to those who do not know His name. He tells us that we all have different talents that we need to use to not only help others, but to form a strong bond with one another.
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; …” -Romans 12:3-13
It’s even easier to endure push back and rejection from people when you are part of a community. Whether it be a small discipleship group or your church as a whole, a community is vital for encouragement and support.
“… there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” -1 Corinthians 12:25-27
Do you have people who encourage you through your walk with Christ? Who is part of your community?