Summary: In this week’s episode we’re continuing our series on community by discussing community within the Body of Christ. Sometimes we become so focused on our individual churches that we forget we are a part of a much bigger community of believers. The Bible speaks to this topic so much! Join us as we dive into why being in community with the Body of Christ is important as well as how to practically live this out. Quotes: “Christian community exists when believers connect with each other in authentic and loving ways that encourage growth in Christ. They engage in transparent relationships that cultivate celebrate and make evident Christ’s love for all the world” Adelle Calhoun “As believers we all have the same identity in Christ. Our foundation is the gospel and our mission is to spread that gospel. “ “Just because someone doesn’t agree with you doesn’t mean that they aren’t part of the body of Christ. You are still to love them as brothers and sisters.” “It is in the midst of a difference that we have our golden opportunity. When everything is going well and we are all standing around in a nice little circle, there is not much to be seen by the world. But when we come to the place where there is a real difference, and we exhibit uncompromised principles but at the same time observable love, then there is something that the world can see, something they can use to judge that these really are Christians, and that Jesus has indeed been sent by the Father.” -Francis Schaeffer “The Church as one unified body is the bride of Christ.” “Where the Spirit of God is there must be love, and if I have once known and recognized any man to be my brother in Christ Jesus, the love of Christ constraineth me no more to think of him as a stranger or foreigner, but a fellow citizen with the saints. Now I hate High Churchism as my soul hates Satan; but I love George Herbert, although George Herbert is a desperately High Churchman. I hate his High Churchism, but I love George Herbert from my very soul, and I have a warm corner in my heart for every man who is like him. Let me find a man who loves my Lord Jesus Christ as George Herbert did and I do not ask myself whether I shall love him or not; there is no room for question, for I cannot help myself; unless I can leave off loving Jesus Christ, I cannot cease loving those who love him.” -Charles Spurgeon “If we run from everything that seems different to us, we might be missing out on a blessing.” Resources: Why You Must Pursue Church Unity - Article by Chris Casaldo What is Christian Unity - Article by John Piper ESV Study Bible *The beautiful music heard on today’s episode is by Katie Cobbs*
