“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:4-6
On Monday, we have discussed that reading the entire Bible help us to comprehend how God loves us and how could we love Him. In part two of ‘How to Comprehend the Gospel of Jesus Christ’ series, we are going to look at the value of faith communities in today’s context. Although we know that seeking God through faith in Jesus Christ alone in our own devotion times is crucial, why seeking Him with others is theologically significant?
We know that listening to Christian podcasts, sermons are a good routine to seek God daily. However, there are many reasons that people are gathering together other than attending church services, such as to discuss and learn things with each other or to spend quality time with each other. Being with one another is important as this fosters their relationships. I agree with Robert Moss when he says that congregations are called to be in relationships with each other. This teaches their missional identity. Within the Trinity, God has so perfect relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to the point that they become One being. This perfect relationship lays out a fundamental role model for believers. Jesus prays that all believers would become one, just as Christ and God are one, before His crucifixion.
I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them (John 17:20-26)
In order to seek God through faith in Christ daily, we have to know God as much as possible, even though knowledge of God is so beyond human knowledge (Romans 11:33-36). Jesus proclaims, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3) As the gospel of Christ is about the love of God, we should discuss it with giving praises to Him with other fellow believers (Ephesians 3:16-21). My mentor and I are devout Christians so that we give praises to Him through our prayers and discussions. The Bible is not about getting us to think theologically, but it’s about all aspects of life. I needed to learn more about time management. Hence, my mentor taught me Genesis 1:3-5 and 14-19 as these are about days and nights. She also helped me to get an idea of what schedule is like. Because of this, I made my daily schedule on the next morning. I was concerned that I might not able to follow it if I make one, but I am not going to concern about it anymore. Instead, I’m going to try an follow my schedule and give all aspects of my life to God. There is no point in concerning about it, due to worrying creates an obstacle of moving our lives forward. Jesus says, “Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Therefore, I agree with Jo Cheyne, the pastor of Creative Ministries at Windsor Park Baptist Church, as she has declared that we get opportunities every day so there should be no pressures of living a perfect life (Lamentations 3:22-23).
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