Community/Communities

<<social grouping, society>>

In the intertwining mass of humanity our lives touch and affect those we live near and interact with no one totally isolated. Consequently, we should each act responsibly for the common good. When communities wholeheartedly adopt a cause, immense power and capability is generated (Gen 11:6; Act 7:57, 19:34).
Communication is vital for the exchange of ideas and to keep people informed.

Jesus, without being tainted by sin, mixed with sinners to show them a better way to live. He ministered to the practical and spiritual needs of those around Him, feeding the hungry multitudes, healing the sick, delivering the demon possessed, and teaching about the Kingdom of God, besides praying and weeping over Jerusalem (Mt 4:24, 7:29, 15:30-37; Lk 19:41; Act 10:38). Although our relationship with God is based on personal salvation, the outworking of that salvation is in the context of community – for the church is but a group of believers that should be impacting the lives of the non-believers in a beneficial and practical way. By being involved with wholesome community activities, ‘the aroma’ of Christ will be evidenced through our "salt and light" good works that results in God being praised and others desiring to know Him too (Mt 5:13-16, 25:34-46; 2 Cor 2:14).

or a fellow workmate, so intentionally look for the needs and willingly reach across social and racial boundaries to show the love of Christ. We can have a huge influence among those we know, especially if our lives are being radically changed by the power of the gospel (Lk 8:38,39). As others observe our lifestyle, will it encourage them to follow God or reject Christianity?

As Christians, we are not to live segregated lives, but rather to connect with the world around us, being a positive influence; seasoning it by various acts of kindness without compromising or adopting its falling values, for although we are ‘in the world we are not of it’ (Jn 15:19, 17:14,16; Act 9:36,39; Rom 12:12-21). It is imperative to keep a close watch so the devil doesn't gain an advantage
over us (2 Cor 2:11; Gal 6:1; 1 Pet 5:8; 2 Jn 1:8). Although we are part of the Christian community that is composed of those who love Jesus and fellowship with each other, our interaction with others extends out to the wider community of those yet to come to faith in Jesus with the intention that we are part of the prcocess by which they encounter salvation.