You - In Community

Dietrich Boenheoffer, in his book Life Together, writes "Sin demands to have a man by himself.  It withdraws him from the community.  The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him."  The truth that we need to understand from Boenheoffer and from the New Testament is Believers are strengthened and spiritual maturity continues when we remain in community together.

The word community can be broken down into two words: "common unity".  Therefore, a community is group of people united around a common belief system, set of values, and mission.  Followers of Jesus Christ are to be in common unity with one another.  This is very evident throughout the scriptures.  Jesus and his disciples had a common unity.  When the church was established in Acts, the believers continued to meet house to house and "had all things in common".

It is not natural for a believer to try and do life alone.  This is not God's plan for us.  We are brought together by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and we are meant to continue doing life together until He returns. Scriptures are full of "one anothers":

• Love one another (John 13:34) 
• Accept one another (Romans (15:7)
• Instruct one another (Romans 15:14
• Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)

You may have seen pictures of the giant Sequoia trees in Northern California; or maybe you have been fortunate enough to see them up close.  I would love to have the opportunity one day.  Did you know that the roots of a Sequoia tree do not go very deep at all; only about 4 feet?  Knowing that, you might wonder how such large trees can continue to stand tall and not be toppled by storms.  The key is what the Sequoia is doing underground.  The Sequoias will essentially hold hands and strengthen one another.  Of course I know that trees don't have hands, but don't tell the Sequoia.  They intertwine their roots and strengthen one another so that they can stand strong together.  You will never find a Sequoia growing alone.  That is the secret to their strength; community. 

We need one another just like the Sequoia trees.  If we will have a common unity with other followers of Jesus Christ, we will be strengthened.  But if we try to live life alone, we are likely to go the way of the large oak tree in my neighborhood.  It was a beautiful tree, but there was a problem.  The oak didn't have the support like the Sequoias.  When the storm came, the oak was toppled.  With the tree lying on it's side, you could see the problem; the roots were not strong enough to hold it in the ground when the strong winds blew.  No other trees were there to help.  Believers must stay in community with one another or we will go the way of the large oak tree.  We may look good on the outside, but underneath we are susceptible to the attack of the enemy who wants to topple us. 

The vision statement of Canaan Baptist Church is Canaan Baptist Church exists to multiply communities of Christ-followers.  We are united by our common belief system and values and our mission is to fulfill the Great Commission given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ.  If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, please make sure you are in relationship with other Christ-followers and let's do life together.  We will be stronger for it.