What have we learned through the pandemic? The importance of community! Yes, but what kind of community? For example, if a person believes the Q Anon conspiracy, there’s a community for you. Or if someone believes gender is something you select, there’s a community for you. If you haven’t bought into some cause, casually associating with whatever community can draw you in. Even with social distancing, we’re not lacking for communities, but some communities can be harmful to you and to society. Remember Jonestown in Guyana or the Branch Davidians in Waco?
Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus. If you think about it, your congregation is a community set amid other communities, but your congregation offers what other communities can’t. Read what Paul said about the congregations in Ephesus and let it be your prayer for your congregation.
“For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named…” We don’t see much humility today, Your congregation models humility before the great Creator. “… that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being…” Who doesn’t need inner strength to face our troubled times? “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” Unlike the tribalism and division we see all about us, us against them, your congregation points you to Jesus Christ, who is greater than the vanities of this world. “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” What community online or in person offers the insights into life, the calmness of faith, the welcome of love and the fullness of God that your congregation offers?
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think…” “Have good cheer, little flock!” “…according to the power at work with us…” Good things happen when you’re active in your congregation. “…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:14-21). It’s a great time to be the Church!
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