Gathering [pt. 2] - The Holy Longing.

Okay, so the chapter on A Spirituality of Ecclesiology alone is worth the price of the book. In a world desires a sense of the Kingdom, but not necessarily the Church - this chapter explores some spiritual images of the Church and why every follower of Jesus needs to be a part of a faith community. Here's a quote we used in last night's teaching at South County United...

To be in an apostolic community, church, is not necessarily to be with others with whom we are emotionally, ideologically, and otherwise compatible. Rather, it is to stand, shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand, precisely with people who are very different from ourselves and, with them, hear a common word, say a common creed, share a common bread, and offer a mutual forgiveness so as, in that way, to bridge our differences and become a common heart. [p. 115]

The gathering of God's people is a beautiful and terrifying thing.

Comments

[Denise]

Mike -

This has nothing to do with the gathering part 2, I just wanted to get in touch with you and see how you are! We have lost touch again! Rebecca and I are coming out in Early August, we would love to see you guys!
Love ya! Denise

[Laura]

Well said and timely (for me). Thanks.

[Stephanie]

Mike~
I love the quote that you pulled from the book. When we gather as a church, we don't all have to appear to have it all together. We infact are all different and that is what makes the body of Christ so powerful. Christ brings peace and comfort to all. He doesn't limit his compassion and mercy only to those he likes, which people in the church tend to do now a days.

[JMWelches]

What would that creed be?

[Wes]

I love the quote. It puts into words an idea that has recently been on my heart. I hope I got at this a little bit in my recent post "church."