Tag Archives: Christian community

Christianity is about individuals, not clones in religious institutions

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Steve Simms

Until we gather with and spiritually connect with Christ-transformed individuals, there will be little unity among Christians. When Christ-transformed individuals recognize each other there’s an instant sense of kinship and community. I sold black history books during college summers and … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living, Christian recovery, institutional church, life transforming, spiritual formation, transformation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Jesus’ calling on first century Christ-followers

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Steve Simms

Understanding the calling on the first century Christ-followers, who Paul wrote letters to depends on understanding the Greek word that is translated as church. That word is ekklesia. There were two ekklesias in each of the Greek cities that Paul … Continue reading →

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What we call church (may be off base)

Posted on September 17, 2022 by Steve Simms

Love can’t be limitedTo hearing sermonsAbout God’s love.It must be livedIn the heart-felt unityOf Jesus-focused community. The human longingFor belongingIsn’t satisfiedBy the weekly gongingOf a sermon. An hour or twoSitting thruChurch servicesWon’t glueHearts togetherIn community Calling something a church doesn’t … Continue reading →

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The Jesus-first community obeys King Jesus

Posted on September 13, 2022 by Steve Simms

The Jesus-first communityExperiences ongoingHeart-to-heart unityAnd takes every opportunityTo glorify Him. Ask not, “Where do you go to church?” Ask, “How do you connect with the Jesus-first community?” The Jesus-first community consists of Christ-followers who interact heart-to-heart with the living Jesus … Continue reading →

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Body-life: seeing the body of Christ in action (on a sheep farm)

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Steve Simms

Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a gathered people requires a group openness to the Holy Spirit. We need to surrender our plans, programs, agendas, and control and instead trust the living Jesus to actively lead us and direct us like … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 14:26, body life, ekklesia, Holy Spirit, house church | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Band of heart-connected Christ-followers

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Steve Simms

Ekklesia God’s supernatural assemblyConsists of a multitude ofWorldwide membersInvisibly banded together,Not by agreementOr by organization,Not superficially,But by deepHeart-connectionWith the risenAnd living JesusAnd with allWho truly love Him.When they meetWith open hearts,Even as strangersThey discover JesusWorking in each otherAnd behold His … Continue reading →

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God’s free elevator ride

Posted on April 24, 2022 by Steve Simms

I believe that God’s salvation is like an elevator ride from the basement to the top floor of a huge skyscraper. Jesus is my elevator. I got in Christ years ago. I’m abiding in Christ now and if I don’t … Continue reading →

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Christians are called to be revelators, not just spectators

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Steve Simms

Christians in the Bible met as a community, not as an audience — as revelators not as spectators. They met not to rejoice in things of this world, but to joyously celebrate the presence and reality of the risen Jesus. … Continue reading →

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Jesus didn’t say to follow a preacher, a program, or a curriculum. He said: “Follow Me.”

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Steve Simms

Doing my daily Bible reading, I saw Paul describe a Christ-led support group in Romans 1:11-12. He wrote: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible one anothers, Bible teaching, church format, church program, church programming, curriculum, curriculum-free, encouragement, faith, mutual ministry, one anothers, preacher, teaching, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Optimize Your Faith With Participatory Church

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Steve Simms

Faith can be enhanced or it can be diminished.  It is the responsibility of each individual to cultivate, nourish, and grow her/his faith or to allow it to wither away and possibly die.  Jesus illustrated this principle in the Parable … Continue reading →

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