pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: community


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One

Reading: John 17:1-11

Verse 11: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”

After clearly telling the disciples that it is time for him to return to God, Jesus tells the disciples, “In this world you will have trouble.” He immediately follows this up with words of encouragement: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” It is from this place that Jesus offers the prayer that we read today in John 17.

Jesus first prays mostly for himself, thanking God that eternal life will be given to those that belong to or believe in him. He acknowledges that he has “completed the work you sent me to do.” Jesus has lived out God’s love, revealing God to the world. He will be glorified here through the resurrection and then he will return to glory in heaven.

In verses 6-11 Jesus prays for his disciples – “those whom you gave me out of this world.” Living as exiles or sojourners in this world, we too fit this description. Jesus acknowledges their obedience and their belief that God was in him and he is in God. Recognizing that they will yet remain in the world, Jesus prays, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” There is power in the name of Jesus. Calling upon his name will invoke a holy presence. Calling on Jesus for power or guidance or protection or… invites Jesus to be right there with us.

And why might a disciple need this power? “So that they may be one as we are one.” To bring unity, to build community, to develop relationships, to work together – to be one with one another as we are one with God, Jesus, and the Spirit. It’s all about relationship and connection. As disciples of Jesus Christ may we too seek to be one with each other and one with the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of your Holy Spirit, connect us to one another and to you. Build us up as the body of Christ, finding power and unity in the name of Jesus Christ, your son and our perfect example. Bind us together as we seek to minister to the needs of the world. Amen.


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More Outside Than Inside

Reading: Psalm 66:8-20

Verses 8-9: “Praise our God, all peoples… God has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.”

Psalm 66 is a song of praise for what God has done. The first part of the Psalm focuses on the corporate or communal perspective. This is an important perspective to keep. It helps us see, live in, and recognize the bigger picture. While God undoubtedly works in each of our lives, we can see God’s plan unfolding in a different way when we get outside of ourselves and outside of our own story. Imagine if the parting of the sea story or the feeding of the 5,000 story were told from a single perspective and as if that person was the only one there! When we focus only on ourselves then we can miss out on the fuller story of God’s power and might.

In verses 8-9 the psalmist writes, “Praise our God, all peoples… God has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.” This is a call to public and corporate thanksgiving in response to God’s work in the life of the community of faith. The psalmist then recognizes the difficult times in their past and recalls how God led them through. Our temptation can be to withdraw or isolate when we are going through a hard time. We can tend to focus only on ourselves. If, during their time in slavery in Egypt, the Israelites each adopted an “every man or woman for themselves” mentality, then where would’ve they been? They could not have marched out of Egypt one at a time. The collective, the group – it mattered. It still matters.

So the invitation today is to see the larger picture, to live in a space more outside of yourself than inside yourself. May we all realize the power we receive from others and the power we give to others.

Prayer: Lord God, open my eyes to the bigger picture around me. Open my heart to love all those around me. Shrink the selfishness in heart and make more room to love others more fully. Amen.


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Living Stones

Reading: 1st Peter 2:2-8

Verse 5: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.”

Photo credit: Tyler Milligan

As we look at this week’s reading from 1st Peter 2, Peter begins by addressing their faith. From verse 2 we can glean that many are just beginning their walk of faith. Here he refers to these believers as newborns, encouraging them to “crave pure spiritual milk” so that their faith can grow. He also touches on their love of God. He reminds them that they have “tasted that the Lord is good.” It is a tangible and sure reminder for the hard times that they live in.

Peter names Jesus “the living stone.” He settles on this title because it connects into the words and images used in the Hebrew scriptures to describe the Messiah. Peter quotes from Isaiah 28 and 8 and from Psalm 118, identifying Jesus as the cornerstone, the capstone, the rock. He identifies Jesus as the one who was “chosen” by and is “precious” to God. He then connects these exiled followers of Jesus into all of this by saying, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” They too are chosen and precious. They too are to be living rocks of faith. All of this applies to us too. We are chosen and precious. We are to be living stones.

Peter calls these followers living as exiles and sojourners in foreign lands to be built into a community of faith and to live as “a holy priesthood.” The community is the necessary source of strength and support, of help and provision, of love and encouragement, of praise and prayer. This community, this family, is essential to them and us being “a royal priesthood.” Without our brothers and sisters in Christ it is really hard to be living stones in this hostile world. So we begin here, with hope and encouragement. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for calling me, for seeing me as precious and as worthy of a place in the family of Christ. Use me as one who ministers to others, helping them too to know that they are chosen and precious, beloved and worthy. Amen.


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Centering on Christ

Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Verse 44: “All the believers were together and had everything in common.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As I read these verses about the early church I marvel at this community. These words remind me of the feelings I get when I read Psalm 23. All is well and right in the world. God is definitely present and there is a peace that passes understanding. Love, generosity, kindness, fellowship, connection, food, prayer – these words summarize the church described in today’s passage.

In verse 44 we read, “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Harmony is the word that seems to best fit this image. It wasn’t just that they shared their bread or other things with each other. It wasn’t just that any and all who showed up felt loved and welcomed. It wasn’t just that they sang and prayed and worshipped together each day. It wasn’t just that they shared life together in intimate and personal ways. It was all of this. In the last verse we read that God was adding to their number daily.

These early Christians were known for their “glad and sincere hearts.” This was easily identifiable. The community was genuine and true. What was the source of all this? Jesus Christ was alive and well in their hearts. The Spirit of Christ was present to them and in their gatherings. Centering on Christ led these believers to live as a community of faith that attracted outsiders. It drew them to come inside. May it be so for our churches once again.

Prayer: Lord of all, what a great vision today of your kingdom here on earth! Move in our churches and in our hearts so that we better model this love and grace, this generosity and fellowship to the needy world. Amen.


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Love and Power

Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Verse 44: “All the believers were together and had everything in common.”

This week’s passage in Acts 2 paints a beautiful picture of the early church in Jerusalem. These words represent the church at its best. In a world where division and argument seem to be the norm, maybe one wonders if this is still possible. We must remember that the world was far from perfect for these early Christians. They lived in an occupied land that was primarily populated by a majority religious group that was against their religion. Even so, this beautiful community existed and thrived.

The early church was built first and foremost on Christ’s love. Because of this great love, they wanted to know Jesus more and to grow more like him. They “devoted themselves” to his teachings and to his example. The Spirit was alive and well in this community – “wonders and miraculous signs” were happening. Generosity and mutual care were the norm. Being selfish and inwardly focused – these were absent from this community. Needs that arose were me by the faith community. The early church both worshipped and fellowshipped together. This way of living in community attracted attention: “the Lord added daily to their number.”

Yes, the political and social atmosphere today certainly work against such a community. And, yes, the culture and society that we live in can make it hard to practice a spirit of love and generosity and compassion. But the power to live and be such a community didn’t and doesn’t come from the body itself. It comes from the love of Christ in us and through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and amongst us. Here is the love and power to sustain and nourish and grow such a beautiful community of faith. Day by day may we connect to this love and power.

Prayer: Lord God, at her best, the church is a place of love and welcome, acceptance and support, generosity and connection. Guide us to rely on your love and power to enable us to truly be such a community of faith. May it be so, O Lord. Amen.


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Feeding the Hunger

Reading: Luke 24:28-35

Verse 32: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Photo credit: Lina Trochez

As our trio reaches Emmaus, Jesus acts like he is going on. Cleopas and friend invite Jesus to stay with them – the day is almost over. They have been intrigued by this stranger, drawn into the conversation. Jesus accepts their invitation to stay. Was this what he was looking for? Did they need to express a desire for more time, for more connection?

Jesus joins them at the table. Coming together around food was and is a gift of community, a sign of belonging. To welcome another is to offer invitation and to extend hospitality. It gives opportunity to engage in deeper conversation, to build community. The table is also a place where we are all the same – drawn by our need for both physical and relational sustenance.

At the table, together with friends, Jesus takes bread, gives thanks, and breaks the bread. As he gives it to these friends, their eyes are opened and they recognize him. Now the journey makes sense. They both ask each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Even though their eyes did not initially recognize Jesus, their spirits did. Jesus was feeding this hunger first.

It is this hunger that drives their response. After walking 7 miles, mostly in the heat of the day, they rise at once and return to Jerusalem. Finding their faith community, the place where they most belong, they share the story of the walk to Emmaus and of the breaking of the bread. Having tasted and seen, they witness to others, sharing the gift that they have received. May we do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, the more I digest and gain nutrition from, the more I am drawn to the spiritual food that you provide. It is a hunger that grows as it is fed. Use me as you will today, sharing the gift of life, awakening the hunger in others. Amen.


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A Community Effort

Reading: John 11:38-45

Verse 44: “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

In the second half of our John 11 passage, Jesus moves into action. He says to no one in particular and therefore to everyone, “Take away the stone.” Practical Martha protests. Jesus draws her back to the spiritual: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” And after a prayer to God, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the grave. The man dead four days walks out, still wrapped in his grave cloths.

This is one way that Jesus calls us back to life. But for almost everyone, he calls us back from spiritual or emotional death. We have fallen short and have sinned. We have separated ourselves from God and from one another. We come to a place of repentance and we are restored to a right relationship with God. But we still have our grave cloths wrapped around us. These take different forms: guilt, shame, remorse, regret. Often there are also real consequences that we must face. It is a very hard road to walk alone.

Jesus says, again, to no one in particular and therefore to everyone, Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” This last step of restoration is up to the community. It is something Lazarus cannot do on his own. It is something we cannot do on our own. To fully walk in the new life that Jesus offers, we need community. To restore our relationships, we need forgiveness and reconciliation. To begin to live again, we need welcome and engagement. Faith is a community effort. We are not always on the receiving end either. At times we will need to be the ones offering forgiveness… to others. May we be as willing to give as we are to receive.

Lord God, the community is such a beautiful thing. Walking together in faith is your plan and purpose for us all. Help me to be humble when I need forgiveness and restoration. Guide me to be generous when others need to receive. Bless your beloved community. Amen.


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Back to Community

Reading: 1st Corinthians 3:1-9

Verse 9: “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

This week has largely focused on the law and on living in obedience to God’s commands. Today we add a little humility to the mix. Paul, who had as much authority as anyone at this point in the early church, makes the intentional choice to point the Corinthian church back towards God. In doing so, he is trying to lessen the division in the church.

One source of the division comes from which preacher they prefer. We do not know for sure if this is just personal preference or if there is a theological difference creating division. We can assume the first is the case as Paul speaks of Apollos building upon what he started. Paul planted the church and taught Christ crucified. Apollos watered or continued to teach these new Christians about the faith.

The second source of division comes from spiritual immaturity. Paul began simply, reminding them that he “gave you milk.” They were not and apparently are not ready for “solid food.” The quarreling and jealousy are evidence of this immaturity. These would be humbling words to hear. This is an invitation to look in the mirror.

Our passage closed with Paul calling them back to community, back to one another, and back to God. In verses 9 he writes, “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” Paul reminds them of the partnership, of the connection to God. He reminds the Corinthian church that they belong to God and that God has brought them together. These are good reminders for all churches and for all Christians everywhere. May we too hold fast to these humbling, truthful words.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us together, build us up. Through your Holy Spirit and through one another may we mature in the faith, becoming more and more who you created and designed us to be. Over and in and through all of this, spread your love. Amen.


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A Heart Turned to God

Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Matthew 5:23-24

Verse 19: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death.”

In Deuteronomy 30 Moses presents a choice: God or not God? It is a choice all people must make. Most people in our modern world come across God. They hear of or know of God and faith. Some are drawn in and accept faith and others reject it. And then there are those who live and die without ever hearing about God or Jesus. Some of these folks sense good within and in the world and they live reflecting this spark of the divine within them. Others in this situation reject the good and choose to live for self. All people choose between life and death, between good and evil.

Moses is presenting this choice to the people of God. They clearly know and understand who and what God is. Moses makes it clear that it is a choice: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death.” The choice that Moses lays out is more about the way we choose to live day in and out rather than checking off more of the boxes that represent us keeping each and every law. Faith is not a giant balance scale. It is not a grand race to become “perfect.” Faith is about a heart turned to God. In verses 20 Moses describes the outcome of such a heart: “that you may love the Lord your God, listen to God’s voice, and hold fast to God.” These words ooze covenant love and presence and relationship.

Turning to the Matthew text for today, Jesus connects our relationships with one another into what it means to choose God. In verses 21-37 Jesus uses “But I say…” statements to guide us to look within, to look at what drives our choices, our actions, our inactions. In today’s 2 verses Jesus hones in on the importance of living in right relationship with each other. He places this as a prerequisite to coming before God. He tells us that we cannot be in a place of brokenness or sin with one another and think it okay to come before the Lord in that state. Jesus says, “First go and be reconciled… then come.” Made right with one another then we can come before God. This is a powerful statement. It reveals how much God values community and living in right relationship with one another. Both are revealed in a heart turned to God. May this be our heart.

Prayer: Lord God, where and when I struggle to offer reconciliation, help me. Lead me and guide me past self. Make my heart to better reflect yours, O God. Amen.


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Connected through Christ

Reading: 1st Corinthians 2:11-18

Verse 2: “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”

As Paul continues to speak about wisdom he differentiates between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. Paul focuses in on the source of our wisdom. Some have received “the spirit of the world” – they think, make decisions, and act according to the wisdom or ways of the world. Pride, greed, lust, power, control – these things drive their lives. In contrast, some have received “the Spirit who is from God.” Those who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior receive the gift of the Holy Spirit into their hearts. Peace, joy, love, hope, service, humility – these things drive their lives.

Those with the spirit of the world cannot understand the things and ways of God. They are not of the Spirit of God so God’s ways seem foolish. They cannot understand the ways of God or the ways that followers of Christ live. Those with the Holy Spirit are connected to God. The indwelling presence of God brings understanding around the will and ways of God. These can discern all that God offers because of the Spirit’s presence. As Paul writes, “We have the mind of Christ.”

Because we are in fact human – flesh and blood – we also understand the ways of the world and are, at times, drawn towards the things that the world values. The fleshy part of us can want control or power or wealth… at times. It is precisely in these moments that we need support, encouragement, and strength to resist the temptation that is pulling at us. Here the Spirit, the mind of Christ, whispers into our hearts. Here the community of faith steps us and speaks truth into our lives. Connected through Christ we find the power and the ability to live faithfully day by day in this world. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gifts of Spirit and community. Alone I would be a slave to the world. With these gifts I stand a chance. Please continue to make self less so that you can be more. Amen.