We talk about
having personal belongings. We employ a personal trainer to help us shed pounds
and get that coveted physique. We open a personal bank account to manage our
finances. Christians introduce this language into their faith as well. You’ve
heard people say they want an intimate personal relationship with Jesus.
Christianity is not about a personal
relationship with Jesus. The phrase is
never found in the Bible, and scripture
runs contrary to it. Our life with Christ is communal, not individualistic.
When the Bible speaks of believers,
they are part of a community (a fellowship of other believers). Christianity is
about a church relationship with Jesus.
I know this
runs contrary to what many believers think (or desire). In an age when we are
more isolated than ever, talk of community sounds like a radical departure from
the normal. It is. The norm of the Christian faith should not be isolated
believers, little islands of spirituality, but a continent of Christ’s followers
banded together by our commitment to God.
Christianity will never be a singular endeavor, or a private relationship just between Jesus and me. Our
Savior will always be constantly reshaping us into His image. The church
surrounded by other believers is the one body of Christ. Through His Word,
Jesus teaches us how to…
1.
Love like Him.
“But I am giving you a new command. You must love each
other, just as I have loved you.” (John
13:34, CEV)
“Christianity is about learning to love like Jesus loved
and Jesus loved the poor and Jesus loved the broken.” (Rich Mullins)
2.
Respect
others like Him.
“Respect everyone.
Love the community of believers. Reverence God. Honor your ruler.” (1
Peter 2:17, VOICE)
“One of the most sincere
forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.“ (Bryant
H. McGill)
3.
Forgive
like Him.
“Put up with each
other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.” (Colossians
3:13, CEV)
“Forgive others as quickly as we expect God to forgive
us.”(covermyfb.com)
4.
Serve
like Him.
“I always showed
you that you should work just as I did and help people who are weak. I taught
you to remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘You will have a greater blessing
when you give than when you receive.’” (Acts
20:35, ERV)
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that
only compassion can heal.” (Steve Maraboli)
5.
Persevere like Him.
“You know that such
testing of your faith produces endurance. Endure until your
testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won’t need
anything.” (James
1:3-4, GW)
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not
be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can
know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” (Maya
Angelou)
“Father, help me to recognize the people in my life
who need someone to stand with them. Help me to love others as You do.” (dailyscrolls.com)[i]
[i] Inspired
by the sermon “The Jesus-Centered Relationship: Reflecting Jesus in Your
Relationship” (Installment two, final) Sunday, October 22, 2017 Elder
Ryan Edwards CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH.
Additional source used: “Christianity Is Not About a Personal Relationship with Jesus” by Chad Bird
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