Forging Community

Forging Community: Embracing the Active Pursuit of Spiritual Kingdom Community

Every series we dive into together carries a unique significance, and our current focus on "Forging Community" is no different. Relationships form the backbone of our existence, and God's heart beats for us to live in authentic community. We are diving deep into the importance of being active participants in forging community, emphasizing that community is not passive; it's something we must actively pursue to experience its full benefits.

The Challenge of Isolation

Even before the pandemic, isolation and shallow relationships were becoming the norm. The physical and mental health repercussions of isolation are alarming, but the healing power of genuine relationships is transformative. Psalm 68:6 tells us, "God sets the lonely in families." This is God's heart is to take those who feel alone and place them into a family where they are loved and valued.

Romans 8:15 reinforces this, stating, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" God's love for family surpasses any earthly love we can imagine. He wants us to experience the depth of relationships that reflect His love and grace.

The Reality of Broken Relationships

From the moment sin entered the world, it fractured our relationships with each other. Genesis 3:16-18 details the curse that brought isolation and struggle into our lives. But through Jesus, we find hope and redemption. Ephesians 2:1-5 speaks of the new life we receive through Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to rebuild and restore our relationships.

Jesus modeled the perfect example of forging community. He brought together people from diverse backgrounds and made them family, as seen in Mark 3:31-35. He showed us that obedience to God's will creates a bond thicker than blood. This is the family of God, an active, living community where everyone has a place.

Community is Forged, Not Found

People often come to church seeking a friendly environment. Most are asking, "How friendly is this church?" or "Do these people really care about me?" We are blessed that Dreamer's is a very friendly church, but the reality is, family isn't found; it's forged. Building meaningful relationships requires effort, time, and commitment. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This process of sharpening one another is not passive; it demands intentionality, time, and dedication.

Jesus demonstrated this by forging a community out of individuals who were vastly different. He didn't erase social lines; He healed the fractures and created a new kind of Kingdom Community. This teaches us that forging spiritual community means seeing every person's value and actively working to build those connections.

Distinctive's of Kingdom Community 

1. Every Person Has Value: Kingdom Community transcends societal divisions. Galatians 3:28  declares, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." We must resist the temptation to compartmentalize and instead embrace the value of every individual.
2. Blessing Flows Through Kingdom Community: God's blessings flow through his community. Genesis 12:3 illustrates how God chose Abraham's imperfect family to make a community that will bless all people on earth. Similarly, we are called not just to receive blessings but to become a blessing to others. Acts 20:35 states, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
3. There's Always Room for One More: God's family is always open to new members. Ephesians 1:5 says, "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ." No matter your past or present circumstances, there is a place for you in God's Kingdom Community.

The Cost and Reward of Forging Community

Forging spiritual family is hard work, but it's worth it. The American cultural mindset often treats church like a retail establishment, choosing based on what it offers rather than committing to building relationships. However, God's intention is for us to be deeply connected, as 1 Corinthians 12:18 indicates that God places each of us in the body where He wants us to be.

Building spiritual community involves time, effort, and facing inevitable pain. It's natural to encounter hurt within the church, but this is not exclusive to the church, it's a human experience. The key is to be forgivers and reconcilers, as Matt emphasized in his message. We need to move beyond treating church like a restaurant where we leave when dissatisfied. Instead, we must commit to staying and working through challenges.

Benefits of Spiritual Community

1. Care: Philippians 2:4 instructs us to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others. This is the basic dynamic of family, caring for one another.
2. Challenge: Hebrews 3:13 encourages us to warn each other daily to prevent sin's deceit. True love involves challenging one another to grow and change, even when it's uncomfortable.
3. Growth: Ephesians 4:15-16 emphasizes speaking the truth in love and growing together as the body of Christ. Spiritual family helps us grow in every way to be more like Christ.
4. Security: Belonging to a family provides a sense of security and confidence. Proverbs 18:1 warns against isolating ourselves, emphasizing the importance of being part of a community.
5. Purpose: God's purpose for our lives is intertwined with His spiritual family. Matthew 16:18 shows that the church is central to God's plan, and being part of it gives us a greater sense of purpose.
6. Protection: Family is meant to be a place of safety. Praying for and supporting one another provides protection against spiritual and emotional threats.
7. Blessing: Blessings flow through community. Psalm 92:13 promises that those planted in the house of the Lord will flourish. Being part of God's community brings blessings that extend to future generations.

Practical Steps to Forge Community

1. Welcome the Lonely: We need to actively welcome those who feel alone. Psalm 68:6 tells us that God sets the solitary in families. Our culture at Dreamers Church should be one of radical hospitality and inclusion.
2. Raise the Next Generation: Investing in the next generation is crucial. Psalm 145:4 emphasizes passing on God's works to the next generation. Whether through mentoring, serving in youth and children's ministries, or supporting their spiritual growth, we all have a role to play.
3. Embrace the potential of Spiritual Family: Families are meant to grow and start new families, and spiritual families should launch new expressions of community. Whether through small groups, outreach programs, or even church planting, we should be open to God's leading in expanding His family.
4. Live Out a Life of Blessing: Every day, ask yourself, "Who can I bless today?" Whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or simply being present for someone, let God's blessings flow through you to others.

Conclusion

Forging community is not a passive endeavor; it's an active, ongoing process that requires dedication and effort. The rewards are immeasurable! As we commit to building relationships that reflect God's love and grace, we create a community that supports, encourages, and uplifts each other. You are not alone; you are part of God's Kingdom Community. Let's continue to forge this community together, one relationship at a time!