2 Corinthians 5:11-15Amplified Bible
11 Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment]. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but are giving you an occasion to be [rightfully] proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in [outward] appearances [the virtues they pretend to have] rather than what is [actually] in heart. 13 If we are out of our mind [just unstable fanatics as some critics say], it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit. 14 For the love of Christ controls and compels us, because we have concluded this, that One died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that all those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised for their sake.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.
Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 – What Controls You?
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 New American Standard Bible
14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.
When you wake up every morning, what is the first thing you think of?
When you make a decision, what is the motivating factor?
These are both important questions we should be asking ourselves.
The Apostle Paul tells us what the answer should be if we are Christians, that “the love of Christ controls us”.
This “love of Christ” is not a vague notion, but can be present in two ways.
First, it is that we understand the love Christ had for us through his death.
Second, it is that our understanding of his love brings us to love him, and then our love of Jesus controls us.
It can be a struggle though, to envision what this love looks like.
Often when we hear the word love, we think of silly notes, bouquets of flowers, or even “puppy-dog” eyes for someone.
But when we only think of love in this manner, we do it a great disservice.
Especially considering we don’t always have intense emotions or feelings directed toward Jesus.
Paul’s words today should help use to realize this love is not simply a feeling for someone, but an action that stems from our “abiding” in his love (John 15:9).
But, what if ….
What if you are among those who had a bad experience with a friend or fellowship of friends, a fellowship of believers, a denomination, a local church, or several, there is that inexorable raw, that persistent pull to withdraw, walk with God alone – away, if not very far away, from all which dropped one betrayal after another on your head?
What if we just “need” some significant “walking alone with God time” for awhile?
Without, however, our losing total faith or every sight in that there is a very definite value in being a part of a living and growing body of Christ that is beyond measure?
Can I Walk With GOD Alone?
Can I walk with God alone?
It is important to recognize just what is meant by this question.
At its heart is the concept of walking with God; to be in an active and growing and spiritually fulfilling, maturing and connectional relationship with God.
Can I have an active, growing, spiritually fulfilling, maturing and connectional, relationship with God and still be apart from being in a community of believers?
In other words, is it possible to be a Lone Ranger type of Christian?
Why Is There a Need to be a Lone Ranger Christian?
There are a couple of reasons why someone might ask this question.
The first is because they are living in isolation from other believers or there is great physical distance between my house, my neighbors and neighborhoods.
There are places too in the world that are seriously hostile to faith in Christ.
Or places that faith is not practiced in the open but have gone “underground.”
And in those cases, the one who comes to faith will find themselves unable or even reluctant to gather together with willingly join with other believers.
In such cases, can they or will they still be able to effectively walk with God?
The other reason is likely more common.
A person has had a bad experience a “Christian” friend or fellowship or with a local church, and maybe several of them, perhaps even an entire denomination.
And, as a result, they have withdrawn from what they call the organized church.
They have not rejected faith in God, and still want to walk with Him.
But they are no longer interested in being a part of a community of believers.
In such cases and circumstances, will they be able to effectively walk with God?
The Community of Believers
It is worthwhile looking at what is meant here by being a part of a community of believers.
I am not referring to simply attending a local church and participating in some of its activities.
That is not bad, but it is not enough.
We are called on to be more than a loose collection of individuals who gather weekly.
John 17:20-21 New American Standard Bible
20 “I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may [a]believe that You sent Me.
In John 17:20-21, we find Jesus praying for those who would believe because of the message of his apostles; that’s us.
And in this prayer, he says,
“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”
His prayer is that we may be united as believers.
That we might be one.
In similar fashion to the unity enjoyed within the Trinity – Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
We might identify a number of things Jesus came to do, especially redemption and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
But chief among them was the establishment of a new covenant people.
Jesus’ prayer, and expectation, for His people is that we be one.
And that is not compatible with walking alone.
We are to walk together.
What Does the Bible Teach?
One of the most explicit calls in the Scripture to be in community is found in Hebrews 10:24-25.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Some, even in the earliest church, seem to have given up meeting with other believers.
They had left the community of faith.
And the anonymous author of Hebrews definitely encourages those who remain to continue meeting together.
Why?
To encourage each other.
They were living in a time and place where it was challenging to be believers.
While together, they could encourage each other to continue faithfully.
And, while they are together, they can “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
This goes beyond simple encouragement to continue faithfulness.
This looks at poignantly challenging each other to be growing in the faith and in fruitfulness.
It carries with it a high note of personal and corporate (church) accountability.
That is all incomplete, lacking, when we do not meet together in community.
The Advantage of community
What are the advantages of being a part of a community of faith?
Some have been mentioned above, but identified below are at least five advantages of walking with God in community with other believers:
- We can encourage each other. We all need encouragement from time to time. Especially to be encouraged to walk faithfully with God. To be involved in spiritual disciplines. And to lift us up when we have fallen or are in a low place.
- To hold each other accountable. Accountability is not something that we typically value. But it is important. It definitely helps me to be more disciplined when I know that others will be holding me accountable.
- Corporate worship is important. Yes, I can, and do, worship out in the creation. And I find it enriching and valuable. But worshiping together with other believers is also beneficial. Corporate worship, if it is genuine and God-focused, is something that I cannot duplicate when by myself. Worshiping with others enhances my own worship experience.
- Sharing together in Bible Study. I study the Bible more by myself than I do with others. But that corporate Bible study is important. Sharing and discussion help me to stay centered. And I find that I actually go deeper in the Word when doing it with others. Their questions and comments draw me deeper into the Word.
- God has called us to be a part of the body of Christ. And he has uniquely equipped each of us to serve within the body. If I am not a part of a body, and serving appropriately, then I am hurting the body. As well, if I am not a part of a body, then I am missing out on the other gifting God has given that body. I am like an eye that has nobody to provide sight for or to receive support from.
The Disadvantage of “Going at it alone.”
In addition to missing out on the advantages listed above, attempting to “go it alone” to “Lone Ranger Christianity” in your relationship with God carries with it the following disadvantages:
- We are acting in disobedience to Scriptural instruction to join with other believers. Can I really expect to walk in union with God when I am not in union with the body of Christ?
- What happens when I fall, or when doubt comes my way? Most of us will likely experience doubt in our faith, often more than once. If there is no one around to help, even indirectly, it can be challenging to overcome it.
- You will never reach your true potential as a child of God apart from the body of Christ. We are called to work, grow, and serve together. It is not enough to simply have a personal relationship with God.
The Value of Community
Can you follow God apart from a community of believers?
It is possible, especially if there are no other believers where you are.
And if that is the case God will provide for you in other ways.
But if you are among those who are “burnt out” on church, I would encourage you to not just drop out and go it on your own.
The value of being a part of a living and growing body of Christ is beyond measure, and it is essential for being the person God has called you to be.
A community with a goal that is blessed by God can do amazing things.
Together they can reach neighborhoods, serve unserved groups, and bless countless people.
What it takes is a vision of something greater—possibly even something that they could never imagine on their own.
Of course, it also takes the God who is bigger than we could ever imagine.
Churches are communities of bruised reeds and smoldering wicks.
Often there are folks in churches who pretend to “have it all together,” but no one’s life is altogether free of hang-ups, hiccups, and troubles and struggles.
Yet Jesus, the Servant, gives us hope! “In this world you will have trouble,” he says, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Some of my favorite times in church have been celebrations of communion, when I have seen in people’s eyes a longing for the day when Jesus will return and “wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. . . .” (Revelation 21:4).
God our Father, Son and Holy Spirit, please come utterly, completely, quickly!
We need thy community amongst our own to be the church you need us to be!
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 42The Message
42 1-3 A white-tailed deer drinks
from the creek;
I want to drink God,
deep drafts of God.
I’m thirsty for God-alive.
I wonder, “Will I ever make it—
arrive and drink in God’s presence?”
I’m on a diet of tears—
tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
All day long
people knock at my door,
Pestering,
“Where is this God of yours?”
4 These are the things I go over and over,
emptying out the pockets of my life.
I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd,
right out in front,
Leading them all,
eager to arrive and worship,
Shouting praises, singing thanksgiving—
celebrating, all of us, God’s feast!
5 Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
He’s my God.
6-8 When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
everything I know of you,
From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
including Mount Mizar.
Chaos calls to chaos,
to the tune of whitewater rapids.
Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
crash and crush me.
Then God promises to love me all day,
sing songs all through the night!
My life is God’s prayer.
9-10 Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God,
“Why did you let me down?
Why am I walking around in tears,
harassed by enemies?”
They’re out for the kill, these
tormentors with their obscenities,
Taunting day after day,
“Where is this God of yours?”
11 Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
He’s my God.
Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus Dominum.
Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 