Be Involved in the Christian Community
Summarized from a Tuck Bartholomew Sermon
In our culture, many would rather be left alone. It may be because numerous interactions are assessed based on cost: we constantly compare what we pay out to what we get back in return. Since human relationships inherently have conflict and can be difficult at times, when things get rough, we might find it more convenient to split. Or, it may be because we have been hurt before and don’t want to get burned again. So, the preference is not to have long-term friendships.
However, tight relationship is an integral part of Christianity. One reason is because Christians are connected as the body of Christ.
During the time of Christ, the temple was very important. It was built for God to dwell in, and for people to worship Him. Many Israelites believed they would always be safe because God would not let enemies take His temple. Through prophets, God told them that this physical object would be destroyed, and they would be exiled.
In the place of the physical temple is an everlasting building, with Christ as the cornerstone. Through Christ, Christians are built into the house of God (1 Peter 2:5-6).
Christians of the past, present, and future are all linked together like a body, with Christ as the head.
Because of Christ, there is no need for any intermediary between God and humans. There is no longer a need for priests. Christians could directly pray to God, worship Him, praise Him, and ask for His blessings (1 Peter 2:5). Christians can do all these things together.
To conclude, Christians are a deeply interconnected community, united with Christ as the head. Furthermore, because of Christ, Christians can—as a close-knit group—communicate directly with the Almighty God together!
Summarized from a Tuck Bartholomew sermon
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource
However, tight relationship is an integral part of Christianity. One reason is because Christians are connected as the body of Christ.
During the time of Christ, the temple was very important. It was built for God to dwell in, and for people to worship Him. Many Israelites believed they would always be safe because God would not let enemies take His temple. Through prophets, God told them that this physical object would be destroyed, and they would be exiled.
In the place of the physical temple is an everlasting building, with Christ as the cornerstone. Through Christ, Christians are built into the house of God (1 Peter 2:5-6).
Christians of the past, present, and future are all linked together like a body, with Christ as the head.
Because of Christ, there is no need for any intermediary between God and humans. There is no longer a need for priests. Christians could directly pray to God, worship Him, praise Him, and ask for His blessings (1 Peter 2:5). Christians can do all these things together.
To conclude, Christians are a deeply interconnected community, united with Christ as the head. Furthermore, because of Christ, Christians can—as a close-knit group—communicate directly with the Almighty God together!
Summarized from a Tuck Bartholomew sermon
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource