Wednesday, 13 November 2019

Belonging to a community

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Today I want to write a few sentences on the importance of belonging to a community where there is opportunity for discipleship. Some might call it "congregational membership."

Every believer has a calling to obey God. Would you agree with that sentence? Obeying God begins by following His commandments. And His first commandment is that we love Him and His second commandment is that we love one another.

Romans 13:8 "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the Torah."

But Rabbi, why do I need a congregation to love others? Where else are you going to find people who need to be loved; who are looking for love; who are hurting and broken? Anyone can love someone for a few minutes or hours. The test is a test of time. Can we love long term?

Not convinced yet? There are several Scriptures that command we bring our offerings to the door of the Tent of Meeting. In many ways the modern synagogue or church has taken the place of the ancient Beit HaMikadash.

Still in doubt? The entire Bible is filled with prohibitions against idol worship. Whatever we do for God should give Him glory. We must not bring strange fire before the Lord, especially in a place He did not choose. A community that lifts us the name of Yeshua can be such a place.

Loving God and loving each other is only truly possible in a God-fearing community. Congregational life is the only place we can find out how difficult it is to love some people and keep on loving them anyway, thus bringing glory to God.