Bill Clem » Scripture Church Gospel Community Recommended Books

Christian communities are witnesses in that they show what the kingdom of God is meant to look like.

Tim Chester and Steve Timmis say, “It is our cross-love for each other that proclaims the truth of the gospel to a watching and skeptical world. In our experience people are often attracted to the Christian community before they are attracted to the Christian message.” Communities should model grace, love, forgiveness, truth, and identity.

Look through this inextensive list of things we are to show one another and reflect upon how these verses inform us as to what biblical community looks like.

Love

“Love one another.” John 13:34–35; 15:12, 17

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other.” Rom. 13:8

“May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all...” 1 Thess. 3:12

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5:14-15

Peace

“Be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:50

“Live in harmony with one another.” Rom. 12:16

“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:18

Hospitality

“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9

“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Romans 12:13

“When you come together to eat, wait for one another.” 1 Cor. 11:33

Service

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...” 1 Peter 4:10

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Gal. 5:13

“Wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14

Instruction

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Col. 3:16

“I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” Romans 15:14

Care

“Bear one another’s burdens.” Gal. 6:2

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Rom. 12:10

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Rom. 15:7

“... that the members may have the same care for one another.” 1 Cor. 12:25

Forgiveness

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“If one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Col. 3:13

Submission

“... submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Eph. 5:21

Encouragement

“Encourage one another.” 1 Thess. 4:18, 5:11; Heb. 10:25

“Build one another up.” 1 Thess. 5:11

“Exhort one another every day.” Heb. 3:13

“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Heb. 10:24

Honesty

“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices...” Col. 3:9

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another...” James 5:16

 

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This content is adapted from Pastor Bill’s Re:Lit book, Disciple: Getting Your Identity from Jesus.

 

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