Living in Community

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10

Thank you for your overwhelming generosity on Sunday.  Well over 300 children from the most under-resourced region of the most impoverished country of the world were sponsored on PCC’s Hope Sunday.  This Sunday the tables will be up again and those of you who were out of town, or those who are praying about your specific sponsorship will have the opportunity to sponsor children this Sunday.  Need more information? Click here: http://www.covchurch.org/covenantkidscongo/

Living in community has always been the God’s design! Long before sin entered the world, God was assessing His creation and came to the conclusion that one aspect was “below standard”:

Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Although the verse is foundational in our understanding of marriage the contextual principle is universal:  While occupying space on this planet, it is not good to go at it alone, to live unknown and apart from the encouragement and accountability that can only come from a Jesus-centered, Holy Spirit-empowered community.

Before there was creation, there was a community. The Trinity existed equal in essence, different in function, loving, honoring and submitting.  As image bearers we were created to mirror that community on earth.

Here’s the deal:  Because we are broken and in the process of being made whole, when in community, we will have conflict.  It is inevitable.  Any earthly relationship that lacks conflict lacks intimacy!  Whether it is with friends, siblings, family, spouses, small groups: conflict comes with every relationship and every community.  My questions for you today…do you value, prioritize community?  When in community and conflict ensues, do you fight fair?  This Sunday we will be in Luke 17:1-9 and learn from the greatest man who ever walked the planet, from a man who had conflict all around Him, and listen to His guidelines regarding the value of and values for community.

Speaking of the redemptive power of community, on Sunday night at 7PM in the Worship Center, in conjunction with Fuller Seminary and The Windrider Forum, we are showing an acclaimed film called Rising from Ashes. https://risingfromashesthemovie.com/ “Rising from Ashes” is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of two worlds colliding when cycling legend Jock Boyer moves to Rwanda to help a group of struggling genocide survivors pursue their dream of a national team. As they set out against impossible odds both Jock and the team find new purpose as they rise from the ashes of their past. It’s an amazing story of how hope and redemption is brought to individuals suffering from incredible conflict and pain from the past.
Tickets are free and can be downloaded here:  http://pccrfa-efbevent.eventbrite.com/#