A Spirit of Community
Our aim at Jubilee Church is to build a community of people who know who they are,
who know what they’ve got and who know what they are called to do. We looked at these three aspects previously. But what is community?
As we start a new year, here on the blog we are going to look at different aspects of community starting with what we mean when we talk about community.
What is a community?
The definition of a ‘Community’ is a social group of two or more that share things in common. This maybe for example a belief, a hobby or a shared interest. Within this grouping it is not necessary to be in complete agreement over all things.
God calls us to live in ‘community’ as church. There will be diversity amongst us because of differing cultures, heritage, language or experience, but this diversity does not conflict with oneness. It is through the power of God’s grace that this diversity unites in “community.”
Living in Unity
The psalmist tells us in Psalm 133
How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
What a wonderful picture of what God has called us to, not just in our own church but for the Church worldwide.
The Early Church
The example in Acts 2 of the early church is often quoted as a way we should live:
‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common’. Acts 2:42-47
It’s important to look at the spirit behind how the early Christians lived. Later in Acts we see that: ‘All the believers were one in heart and mind’. Acts 4:32
As we’ve already seen the church is a diverse group of people. We do not have to agree on everything. We can have a different opinion but we have the same Spirit. We are all followers of Jesus.
One in Heart and Mind
The original idea of ‘community’ meant ‘common-unity’ – people with a common purpose, common values, and living in unity.
How does that work in the context of the church? In Jubilee it’s about the values we espouse: Authenticity, Courage, Family, Honour and Passion. And of course that we all are followers of Jesus.
Where do we see these words in action?
By valuing others more than ourselves. ‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves’. Phil. 2:3 ESV
By looking for the good in others, honouring them and encouraging them
‘So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it’. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 MSG
By not letting ourselves stay offended. Forgiving and releasing those who have wronged us. ‘Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.’ Colossians 3:12-14 ESV
By recognising that we are each a part of something bigger than just the part we play. With our different calling and abilities we are all needed in the body of Christ.
‘For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another’. Romans 12:3-5 ESV
There are more ways in which we can build up each other and our community. You might like to do your own study.
The values we hold in the church context can also be applied in our own families, with our friends and in our workplaces. Any place where we gather together with others to form a community.
Think about how you can help build up the various communities you belong to.
