You are in me, and I am in you—May they also be in us

Living in Community

John 17:20-23- Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer

“You are in me, and I am in you—May they also be in us”

Belong, Believe, Become

                People today are looking for community- a place where

they can be themselves and yet grow in trust for others as everyone continues in everyday life challenges. This is because we are physically detached from each other. We change places of residence frequently. Most people do not know their neighbours and many experience loneliness and isolation. People of all ages are in need of each other and yet are unsure of how to do this.

                Evangelism is often associated with negative images of people asking for money and not sure for what. Yet evangelism is not this- it is a team effort of sharing faith with others. It is the intersection of friendship, relationship and “a come as you are’ learning environment where all can learn together

                We live in a post Christian society which no longer operates from an underlying assumption that Christianity is the basis for living. The ordinary citizen no longer knows or understands basic biblical concepts and stories, nor does the typical person necessarily think that Christian values have a special validity. But if we believe that Jesus calls us to be as one in unity of faith, we are to reach out and talk to others- to share our story and to hear the stories of others. This is where the intersection begins and friendship and relationship with each other results.

                What are people looking for? People are looking for others who will love them and also help others in need. This is the message of Jesus. We need only to talk with each other and make a difference.

                Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Questions:

What do you think about the focus of churches now being: belong believe become? Do you think that this makes going to church more relevant?

When you think of evangelism what do you think of? It is really just talking about Jesus—your story being shared with another and recognizing that your story is unique to others. Does this definition help?

PRAYER
Holy God, if I may speak to another person today about your wonderful love, and they hear this message I pray that I too will grow stronger in faith. Help me to reach out to others in your name. Amen.

REFLECTIONS Jan 10,17,24, 31 based upon Jack Kuhatschek “Evangelism: Reaching Out Through Relationships.” ODB Ministries 2017