Galatians 2:20 puts the focus on being crucified with Christ and the life now lived being that in the Spirit. Our identity should be understood as part of His Body; which is the physical representation of Christ on earth today; functioning together to act as "salt and light" until He comes ( Matt. 5:13-20). This idea of being saved to be part of a community is opposed to our "rugged individualism" mentality here in the West especially. Without this understanding we are putting all of our spiritual growth under the Pastor who is somehow supposed to be the only one who shapes and molds us into Christ's image. Thus; we only evangelize; do service projects; corporate prayers; missionary ventures; etal. under his directive; scheduling and tutelage. In such an approach we are placing an undue burden on someone called to have the role of an elder to play all the other roles such as accountability partner; and we are also liable to fall away should the leader of a church fall into error or sin himself.
Every church seems to have individuals that stand out for service (usually but not always a minority); and others that; for one reason or another make an appearance on Sundays (whether primarily to support family members; ritualistic purposes; etc.)
As adopted sons and daughters of the Kingdom we share a stronger bond than what we find in our own families. Some will not reach out in that capacity toward others. Psalm 27:10 reminds us that even if our mother and father forsake us; we have refuge in Christ. Perhaps more time fellowshipping with those in the foreign mission field whose families have shunned them for being a Christian would help many of us. Those churches involved with international college students in exchange programs; for instance have an advantage in such exposure as well as unique evangelistic opportunities.
I always say we may as well get along now; since we are going to spend eternity together.
Galatians 2:20 puts the focus on being crucified with Christ and the life now lived being that in the Spirit. Our identity should be understood as part of His Body; which is the physical representation of Christ on earth today; functioning together to act as "salt and light" until He comes ( Matt. 5:13-20). This idea of being saved to be part of a community is opposed to our "rugged individualism" mentality here in the West especially. Without this understanding we are putting all of our spiritual growth under the Pastor who is somehow supposed to be the only one who shapes and molds us into Christ's image. Thus; we only evangelize; do service projects; corporate prayers; missionary ventures; etal. under his directive; scheduling and tutelage. In such an approach we are placing an undue burden on someone called to have the role of an elder to play all the other roles such as accountability partner; and we are also liable to fall away should the leader of a church fall into error or sin himself.
Every church seems to have individuals that stand out for service (usually but not always a minority); and others that; for one reason or another make an appearance on Sundays (whether primarily to support family members; ritualistic purposes; etc.)
As adopted sons and daughters of the Kingdom we share a stronger bond than what we find in our own families. Some will not reach out in that capacity toward others. Psalm 27:10 reminds us that even if our mother and father forsake us; we have refuge in Christ. Perhaps more time fellowshipping with those in the foreign mission field whose families have shunned them for being a Christian would help many of us. Those churches involved with international college students in exchange programs; for instance have an advantage in such exposure as well as unique evangelistic opportunities.
I always say we may as well get along now; since we are going to spend eternity together.
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