Community as Vehicle to Christ
There is only one way to God the Father (1 John 2:1) and that is through Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). There is only one way to Jesus and that is through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-11). I would offer a practical and Scriptural suggestion (John 4:28-29) that I’ve noticed over and over. Friends position people to be in close proximity to an omnipresent God.
Community/relationship is almost always the front door to the drawing, convicting power of the Holy Spirit. People often buy into me before they buy into Christ. If I fail to open my life to others- to extend myself on behalf of Christ, the door to Jesus may be more difficult to access. I bring people into close proximity with Jesus by simply being in open, enjoyable relationship with them. By living in community with others and sharing Jesus who is in community with me.
Sharing Jesus outside of the parameters of authentic community is commanded (Luke 14:12-24). Without neglecting the call to reach to the marginalized, we are called to function in community with those in close relational proximity. Without a doubt, the greatest responsiveness to Jesus is on the heels of strong or developing relationship.
PATH TO GOD
You (in community) -> Holy Spirit (in compelling conviction) -> Jesus (in salvation) -> God the Father
(in righteous judgment)
- What are the barriers to authentic community?
- What are the barriers to sharing Jesus in community?
- What are the barriers to the expression of God’s power in your existing relational networks?
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For me there are no barriers to speak of. Everyone I know and those that don’t can see the love of JESUS all over me. Complete strangers that start a conversation with me with “I am so sorry that you are so ill, how can you laugh?” My response is, JESUS is my savior he takes care of me.
Even my neighbors of the Islamic faith we bless each other in HIS name every time we speak. How much more loving can that be that we all call upon HIS name together.
We all should be so in love with HIM that there should be no barriers.
[...] Travis states that communities of and relationships with Christ-loving friends are almost always th… It’s one of the vehicles that can get you to God real easily. [...]