What does that mean? Is it limited to a local body of believers? Is it a label we use to describe church membership? What exactly does the term, Community of Saints bring to mind?
1 John 3:11-18 11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. (Emphasis mine)
This is what community is. This is what community will be at Oasis. The body of Christ, the community of saints, in my opinion is not limited to membership or tithing or some other prerequisite that tradition dictates. If a fellow brother or sister in the Lord has a need that I have been made aware of, then I am responsible to an Almighty God to take action regardless of their religious or denominational affiliation.
On a random rant, I am so grieved and angry (maybe even righteously so) that so many of the churches today give lip service to community, give lip service to serving their members, give lip service to pretty much all of the “one anothers” in scripture, but can’t be bothered with actually doing anything about it. Living in community is not convenient, it might take a sacrifice or two. Do you think Jesus with His arms outstretched on the cross knows exactly how ya feel? duh…
Make the willing sacrifice, do what God has commanded you to do and get over your pettiness.
Isn’t that the very core of the Community of Saints? Living life out loud. Sometimes, very loud – warts and all. We work alongside each other in ministry and service to others and to each other. We do it with a genuine love. Not because it is a duty, but because it is a privilege to do so as a fellow brother or sister in the Lord.
The expectation of spiritual attacks in our daily lives as Christians becomes almost normal as we mature. Unfortunately, the origin of those attacks can take us by surprise. And the personal affect of those attacks can break our hearts and destroy relationships.
The love and community we will be sharing throughout Oasis might sometimes be misunderstood. But it will be up to us as the body of believers to remain strong, steadfast and filled with compassion for those we are loving on, living with and serving.
I can’t wait!
peacemakingirl