Humanity in Community

After much prayer and consideration, I'm thrilled begin teaching through the first epitsle of the apostle John. One of the major themes that emerges right from the start of this epistle is 'fellowship' -- both with God and other people.

I'm concerned because there seems to be an 'isolationist' lifestyle that occurs to a certain degree with some single folks. Often, people on their own can even become resentful of others who try to draw them into fellowship; even though pulling away from Christian community countermands God's design for mankind--especially for His children in the Church.

Albert Mohler, president of Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY, spoke to the current condition of the church when he said, 'Individuals now claim an enormous zone of personal privacy and moral autonomy. The congregation, redefined as a mere voluntary association, has no right to intrude into this space.' This is dangerous thinking when we remember that sin's objective is to separate.

Our God is relational. God exists in three Persons coexisting in perfect harmony. We were created in His image. Man cannot be truly or fully happy if he remains all alone. God Himself recognized this when He created man (Gen. 2:18). And, it still holds true today.

I'm looking forward with great anticipation to what God will show us in this wonderful little epistle.