Tag Archives: Christian community

Christianity is about individuals, not clones in religious institutions

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

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Jesus’ calling on first century Christ-followers

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)

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

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)

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

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Band of heart-connected Christ-followers

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

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

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.”

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

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Optimize Your Faith With Participatory Church

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

Posted in AA, Alcoholics Anonymous, Berry Street, Berry Street Worship Center, Bible, Christ, Christ followers, Christ-centered, Christian, Christian organizations, Christian values, church, church meetings, church program, church programs, church roles, church services, church structure, corps, encouragement, faith, faith-based, followers of Christ, freedom, honesty, Houston, improv, improvisation, insight, kingdom of God, lifestyle Christianity, lifestyles, mysticism, Nashville, New Testament, organic church, participatory church, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvationists, simple church, spiritual athletes, spiritual awakening, spiritual disciplines, spiritual growth, spiritual interaction, spiritual training, spiritual warfare, testimonies, testimony | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments