Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #2 — Christianity Is Community

Picture: Counsel #2 — Christianity Is Community CCL 113.1

Jesus invites believers to be part of a church for a reason. Christianity isn’t just a belief - it’s a community. Right from the start of His ministry, Jesus made it clear that He planned to reach unbelievers through the efforts of His disciples. Instead of working alone, Christ formed a community of believers and welcomed converts into that community. The newly formed church became a way for believers to grow closer to each other and God. In other words, church, as God intended it to be, gives us a taste of what heaven will be like. Just as the gospel invites us to know Jesus, it also invites us to be part of His church.^[141] CCL 113.2

“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3 CCL 113.3

“The Lord Jesus Christ instituted a church [so] that His followers should implant the heavenly principle of divine love in the hearts, sanctifying all human love…. for there was light to go forth from the church as a lamp that burneth.” Ellen White in Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 22, Manuscript 165, 1907, par. 5 CCL 113.4

Reflect: Why do your unchurched friends or acquaintances need church? CCL 113.5