Community

You were created to be a part of a community.  Through genetic deformity, I am the only one I have ever known, whom was created unable to be a part of community, except through choice.  Sure, there are plenty whom have been so damaged by their environments that they are unable to be a part of a civilized society, however, they still were created to be - it took man and his sin to damage them out of it.  (just my soap box on what i think of modern psychiatry and the "justice" system.)

John 14:1-3

Reject the world's isolationism!
Technology today is targeted to divide and separate us.
A recent survey showed that 30% of men have no one they call their best friend!
In the USA, independence is the goal and the "god" of the culture, thanks to Hollywood.

But, independence does not work, it will not bring happiness.
Happiness is only to be found through dependence.  Tricky, huh?

As Christians, we are told to love one another, yet our culture creates lovers of self.
Is "self" now a god?  Is there a cult of "self" rampant in the world today?

The community of the Christian is a place for selfish people to gather and to learn how to put away the natural man, the selfish man, the lover of self, to end the Independence.

Rejoice in how you are made!
You were created to depend upon others.
But, often man's natural nature gets in the way.
And we are damaged into independence because we can only trust ourselves.  Right?

The sense of community is to re-establish the model of Jesus.
Jesus lived the whole of his life within the concept of community.
The Christian church, aka the Way, began as a community, where they came together.
This church supported one another, handled judicial proceedings, taught, discipled, sent out witnesses, etc.
Contrast this to the "friendless" American male cited above.  Interesting.

Remember the early church model.
Acts 2:42, the church was devoted to fellowship, worship, teaching, community needs.
It was all about the community!
Christianity can not be experienced only by yourself, for it requires community.


When God seems distant in your life, then you know that you are no longer a part of community.  You need to be back with those in the church whom know you, and honestly love you ..... and that is where you are to be.  That is where you will find real fellowship, healing and growth for yourself and in your life.

Conversely, if you really want to how why people get sucked into cults, religious or otherwise, you just learned why.  The organization they become a part of offers the sense of community they seek.