The concept of Community is not new to our GFI family – Gary has been teaching the importance and value of being a part of a ‘like-minded’ community for years. In reading the following article in Pastor Joe’s newsletter, I was once again reminded of the value and power of Community.

We in the U.S. are not the only ones facing economic challenges, this is a worldwide issue and for most of the world, this is not something new, they have been living with it a long time. Yet, as I watch and listen to the news, it seems the mainstream media is not addressing the ‘root cause’ – what are our Beliefs? Everyone agrees,  we have a broken ‘how’ and those attempting to ‘fix’ the problem, while they may inadvertently go back to their Beliefs and goals, those Beliefs + goals do not reflect the core Beliefs we all hold to, which starts with a Creator God – it’s difficult to come to a consensus when the starting point differs.

But we, as part of the Body of Jesus Christ know where our strength comes from. Let us not grow weary in well doing, living our lives according to the character and virtues found in Christ and then instilling those virtues into the heart of our children. We are the salt & light, our purpose is to glorify, [make bigger] our Father in Heaven. What an exciting time for us to live and fulfill the purpose for which we were created. Blessings, Anne Marie

Right now I'm replaying a video in my mind of how a pack of wolves takes on a herd of Elk. Of course, the wolves do not stand a chance going head to head with the herd, so what do they do: they isolate an individual from the herd. Then, an elk becomes easy prey for the wolves.

This brief illustration is a reminder of the power of community. The Bible challenges followers of Christ to be ‘plugged in' and a part of His community; the local church. It is unfortunate that many who claim the name of Jesus are not involved in a local community. Please understand that I am talking about more than just attending a weekend service!

During times such as our nation is currently facing, the concept of community becomes important, especially taking into consideration the fact that many families are scattered across the country. Here are a few reasons to consider: as I already mentioned, the power of community is seen in the protection it provides. The saying "there is strength in numbers" is very true. The Bible teaches that “though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV). It is even amazing how participants in ‘Survivor’-type reality shows work together, despite efforts of the producers to cause tension and discord. What helped our country survive the Great Depression was a commitment to one another. Should the economic situation continue to deteriorate, your community of faith will become even more important.

Another power of a Community is its ability to share and help meet needs. One of the hallmarks of the Church established by Jesus Christ (at least until the modern welfare system was established), was that Christians took care their own and others. The first century church knew the power of sharing. “There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need” Acts 4:34-35 (NIV).

The power of community also adds meaning to your life. For the Christian, community is the soil for cultivating your God-given purpose. Paul writes, “so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” Romans 12:5-6 (NIV). Often, the greatest blessing of belonging to a community of faith is not what you get, but how you are able to touch others by giving: “remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” Acts 20:35b (NIV).

We also see that the power of Community is a source of encouragement. The author of Hebrews, writing to a group of persecuted people said this: “and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV). Your greatest need during difficult times is encouragement. Often, it is an encouraging word or knowing that someone is praying on your behalf that gives you the strength to press on.

So, if things continue to unravel morally and  economically, will you and your family be ‘running with the herd’/Community or isolated and alone? Joe Parkinson