“ Community”

Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope

June 20, 2009
Larry R Evans

Introductory Reflections

The Church isn’t mine nor is it yours. It is Christ’s. Nevertheless, together we share important privileges and responsibilities as members of Christ’s Church. At the heart of this week’s reflection is how we relate as a community to these privileges and responsibilities. It is all about how we live together, knowing that Christ not only loves me but He also loves you. It doesn’t really matter who you are, who knows you, what you do for a living or how much education you have received. The requirements for being part of this community are a personal acceptance of and a commitment to Christ. This community is founded on serving others on behalf of Him who calls us. We have a common heritage since we have a common Creator. This community, therefore, is built on our being inclusive rather than being exclusive. The door is always left open for others to come in. Yet it does not force its way upon others. The community exists because those who are part of it have responded to the same invitation they give to others,

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt 11:28-30, NIV)

Reflective Quiz

1. Believing and belonging are closely linked. [1 Cor. 12:27] True or False?

2. Building a sense of community is God’s plan. True or False (Gen. 11:1-4; 12:1-3) True or False?

3. There are times when we must be assertive if we are ever going to be recognized for what we can do. (Gen. 11:1-4; 12:1-3; 1 Peter 2:9,10) True or False?

4. “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to the garage makes you a car!” (Jn 15:5-8) True or False?

5. When we get to heaven Christians will receive the title: “Saints.” (Eph. 1:1; Philp. 1:1] True or False?

6. Because we are all part of “the body” there is no difference between a leader and a follower. [1 Cor. 12:12-31] True or False?

7. To be part of a family means to have both privileges and responsibilities. [Eph. 4:1-13] True or False?

8. Common values, life styles and worship practices are necessary for unity. [Jn. 14:6,7; 13:34,35; 1 Cor. 14:36-40] True or False?

9. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is Rock solid. [Matt. 16:16] True or False?

10. The biblical emphasis of the Church as community reveals our relationship with Christ as both singular and plural. [Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 12:12-20; Eph. 2:19-22] True or False?

11. This is our Church and if something needs to be changed we should change it. [Matt. 16:18; 18:15-20 with 18:10-14] True or False?

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