God has really been placing a LOT of thoughts about community in my brian.
There have been many different thoughts on this lately, but two key instances come to mind.
The first was the other night while my girlfriend, Deanna, and I were doing a Bible Study together in the book of Romans. Romans 1:8-12 was the cluster of verses that really stuck out to me about community.
"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith." - Romans 1:8-12
Paul explains to his fellow Follower's of the Way (believers in Christ) that he is remembering them constantly. He has created such a connection with them that He wishes the best for them in their faith walk, and wishes he could be with them. Community is being with fellow believers and encouraging one another in Christ and following Him.
This idea was also hammered home to me more when, the day after my Bible Study with Deanna, in my Children's Ministry class we discussed community in the Church. Just having community being brought up again I could see God is really stressing this idea to me. I do not have any specific idea with how God wants me to use community besides strengthening the communities of faith that I am already a part of; however, I do know that God will have me using community for Him. I'm ready to see how this all happens.
-Matt
