Stand Strong Sample
Community of the Church
Community is very meaningful. It was a means to support families, form a strong education, build up religion, as well as create jobs, and grow the economy.
Reality is, community is a lost art in many cultures nowadays. For example, in early America much of the community was built around the church and schoolhouse. Now we identify community to mean Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
That’s not community.
In America’s past, community was the overflow of individuality, Christians who lived out their faith united with other like-minded Christians who had a deep concentration of community. From this came communal churches, which became an even bigger overflow of community. Everyone was passionate in sharing community together. It was a way of life.
This deeply felt community was what made America great.
Now look at us.
We’ve lost the need of community. Everybody is off doing their own thing. America has become a nation of zombies, glued to TV and devices.
And what about churches? Where’s the community? Church is the one place that should be fostering community, and yet most have become a place of disunity.
How sad.
May God forgive us. But may we also realize that God will judge the church for neglecting community among its people. The Bible is explicitly clear to all Christians, churches and denominations in Hebrews 10:24-25 that community starts with consideration.
We must consider others before we take care of our own needs. The word stir means to provoke or stimulate. We are to be provoked to care and love others as we stimulate others to do the same.
With this purpose in mind, don’t neglect community in your life. God never intended the Christian life to be lived alone. It may be hard sometimes admitting you have needs, but that is something you need to do! We all need to invest in the lives of others, and together, build a stronger community of like-minded Christians who will reunite this nation that is dying for true and lasting relationships.
Scripture
About this Plan
Seven days of courage to stand strong in the midst of uncertainty and fear — offering a vision of hope that reignites courageous faith. Be encouraged and empowered by this 7-day reading plan that will challenge you to love God, pray for a better tomorrow, make a difference, and stand strong no matter the cost.
More
We would like to thank Jason Jimenez and Alex McFarland and BroadStreet Publishing for this plan. For more information, visit: standstrongministries.org/standstrongamerica/