 |
| Experiencing Community in New York City |
"Community is where humility and glory touch."
Henri Nouwen
The Real Jesus called forth a community to dwell in and work through. Not a bunch of isolated, detached individuals. Call this: "church." Ekklesia.
Ek + kaleo = the called-out-by-Christ people of God.
Effective, Jesus-indwelt community requires individual and corporate humility. Every individual in the totality abandons themselves to the will and ways of God. This is Real Church, and it's a Communal Movement.
The individual "Christian" who refuses to connect with Church (even though this is their identity) and stands outside Church in criticism is a biblical and theological apostate. People like this choose pride over humility.
The glory of God refuses to descend on a proud heart. God's glory does fall on the humble. We read:
“God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.”
- James 4:6
How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
life forevermore.
which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
life forevermore.
- Psalm 133:1-3
The humble, unified Jesus Community can expect to experience God's...
- blessing
- grace
- glory
- presence
- leading
- power
- love
- fruit
- giftings
Pray for humility, and for your Jesus Community.
