Sense of Community: Difference between revisions

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* “Sense of community is a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment to be together (Dr David McMillan, 1976).
* “Sense of community is a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment to be together (Dr David McMillan, 1976).


In nature people are members of families and those families may form clans through marriage and communities through common interaction. The natural family as a unit may have a head or leader based on age and consanguinity.<Ref>Consanguinity ("blood relation", from the Latin consanguinitas) is the property of being from the same kinship as another person. In that aspect, consanguinity is the quality of being descended from the same ancestor as another person.</Ref> The head of a family has been called an Elder. In the ancient Latin culture the the ‘power of the father’, patria potestas, was inherent in his personal 'power to command' his family, his imperium.<Ref>Imperium is a Latin word which, in a broad sense, translates roughly as 'power to command'. In ancient [[Rome]], different kinds of power or authority were distinguished by different terms. ''Imperium'' referred to the ability of an individual to command the military but originally the military was the militia of the people before the people began compromising their natural rights in social compacts.</Ref>
In nature people are members of families and those families may form clans through marriage and communities through common interaction. The natural family as a unit may have a head or leader based on age and consanguinity.<Ref>Consanguinity ("blood relation", from the Latin consanguinitas) is the property of being from the same kinship as another person. In that aspect, consanguinity is the quality of being descended from the same ancestor as another person.</Ref> The head of a family has been called an Elder. In the ancient Latin culture the ‘power of the father’, patria potestas, was inherent in his personal 'power to command' his family, his imperium.<Ref>Imperium is a Latin word which, in a broad sense, translates roughly as 'power to command'. In ancient [[Rome]], different kinds of power or authority were distinguished by different terms. ''Imperium'' referred to the ability of an individual to command the military but originally the military was the militia of the people before the people began compromising their natural rights in social compacts.</Ref>


The family was often compromised by social compacts of contracts transferring allegiance from the head of the family to the head of the community or state. The whole family and the natural liberty of the individuals within the family was compromised by these contracts which could be implied or executed.
The family was often compromised by social compacts of contracts transferring allegiance from the head of the family to the head of the community or state. The whole family and the natural liberty of the individuals within the family was compromised by these contracts which could be implied or executed.
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While we should have an egalitarian approach to everyone, that position must allow for individual growth and change. How does a congregation of recorded elders develop a “Sense of Community” and remain free?
While we should have an egalitarian approach to everyone, that position must allow for individual growth and change. How does a congregation of recorded elders develop a “Sense of Community” and remain free?


It has been suggested that there are four factors to the development of a “Sense of Community”:
It has been suggested that there are four factors to the development of a “Sense of Community”:


== Four Factors of a Christian community ==
== Four Factors of a Christian community ==
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: 4. Shared Connection
: 4. Shared Connection


How should someone who is actually following [[Christ]], by seeking the [[Kingdom of God]] and His righteousness develop these four factors within a congregation of Recorded Elders [CORE] to establish a [[Christian]] community in accordance with Christ and His purposes since their gatherings are [[Free Assemblies|free assemblies]]?
How should someone who is actually following [[Christ]], by seeking the [[Kingdom of God]] and His righteousness, develop these four factors within a congregation of Recorded Elders [CORE] to establish a [[Christian]] community in accordance with Christ and His purposes since their gatherings are [[Free Assemblies|free assemblies]]?




=== Membership ===  
=== Membership ===  


The first factor is what they call Membership. A member is “an individual, thing, or organization belonging to a group”. That membership can be further defined as “a constituent piece of a complex structure.” The idea of “belonging” to a group, or becoming a “constituent piece” of something bigger, takes away the part of the wholeness of the individual. He is no longer seen as a mere attendee of a free assembly but becomes a cog in a machine with duties and obligations imposed by the whole.
The first factor is what they call ''Membership''. A member is “an individual, thing, or organization belonging to a group”. That membership can be further defined as “a constituent piece of a complex structure.” The idea of “belonging” to a group, or becoming a “constituent piece” of something bigger, takes away the part of the wholeness of the individual. He is no longer seen as a mere attendee of a [[Free Assemblies|free assembly]] but becomes a cog in a machine with duties and obligations imposed by the whole.


Membership may also simply be the feeling of belonging or of sharing a sense of personal connection.
The [[Kingdom of God]] is from ''generation to generation''. It is a spiritual state we may seek in the world but it is not of the [[World|world]]. In the [[Kingdom of God]] their is no allegiance to a structure but only faith in Christ and God, and their ways.  The obligations and duties of a member the [[Kingdom of God]] are not imposed by the structure or a hierarchy. There is no right granted by the King, one Jesus,<Ref>Mark 12:27  He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
Breaking down the factor labeled memberships some psychologist have identified at least five attributes:
Luke 20:38  For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
 
: Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.</Ref> to [[Exercises authority|exercise authority]] one over the other.
 
So there is no actual membership in a congregation itself. The recording of elders is a record of duties and obligations imposed by Christ at appointment of [[His Church]]<Ref>Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The [[Kingdom of God|kingdom of God]] shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
: [[Luke 12]]:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
: [[Luke 22]]:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
: [[Ephesians 5]]:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.</Ref> to individuals who also assemble themselves together by the direction of God and his historical pattern of [[Tens]].
 
While there is no ''membership'' like we see in governments that set men one over the other as subjects to obligations and the performance of imposed duties<Ref>[[Colossians 2]]:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the [[World|world]], are ye subject to ordinances,</Ref> there may be a ''sense of membership'' produced by the record and testimony of love for one another manifested by the flow of that love in the form of [[charity]] and [[grace]] among the congregations of recorded elders [[CORE}} through the network of the service of [[Titular|titular]] leaders.
 
Membership may also simply be the feeling of belonging or of sharing of a sense of personal connection through adherence to Christ.
 
Breaking down the factor labeled ''membership'' some psychologist have identified at least five attributes:
#. Boundaries including criteria
#. Boundaries including criteria
#. Sense of Security and Safety
#. Sense of Security and Safety
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==== Boundaries ====
==== Boundaries ====
Boundaries of membership in a [[Free Assemblies| free assembly]] would include how people are drawn to become members or merely have a sense of membership from what keeps people out of or away from that assembly.
In the kingdom of God this drawing of members is done by the [[Corban]] of Christ. The [[Corban]] of the [[Pharisees]] had become a forced contribution imposed by the ordinances of a king or ruler. That force made the word of God to none effect.
The systems of the world impose an obligation of performance upon its members. When the systems are in debt then also are the people in debt. In the [[Kingdom of God]] we forgive that debt imposing nothing but the [[Perfect law of liberty]] upon ourselves. God forgives us our trespasses as we [[Forgive|forgive]] those who trespass against us.
[[John the Baptist]] and [[Christ]] as well as Moses preached systems of [[Sacrifice|sacrifice]] that were based on [[Freewill offerings|freewill offerings]] or what we call [[Charity]]. The word [[Corban]] comes from the Hebrew word meaning to draw near. We draw near Christ when we live by His faith, hope and charity. By giving liberty to others Christ's sets us free.
It is the free [[Communion|communion]] offered by Christ that gives us that sense of membership and community in free and mutual sacrifice one for another rather than imposing obligations one over another.
If someone sins does that mean they cannot come to a Free Assembly?<Ref>Matthew 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
: Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.</Ref>
Jesus sat with sinners.<Ref>Matthew 9:10  And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.  And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
: Matthew 9:13  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
: Matthew 11:19  The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
: Matthew 26:45  Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
: Mark 2:15  And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
: Mark 2:16  And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
: Mark 2:17  When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
: Mark 14:41  And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
: Luke 5:30  But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
: Luke 5:32  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
: Luke 6:32  For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
: Luke 6:33  And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
: Luke 6:34  And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
: Luke 7:34  The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
: Luke 13:2  And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
: Luke 13:4  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
: Luke 15:1  Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
: Luke 15:2  And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
: John 9:31  Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
: Romans 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.</Ref>
 
Some would say that these “boundaries” are defined by the commandments. 
Certainly the [[Ten Commandments]] are boundaries by which the sincerity of [[Faith|faith]] may be defined but judging by who Christ assembled with they should not keep people from a free assembly since Jesus assembled with sinners all the time.
The [[Ten Commandments]], being fundamental to faith in Christ<Ref>Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19  Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20  The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21  Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
: 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.</Ref> and the [[Eternal life]] He speaks of will undoubtedly play into other attributes of membership as well. But to exclude someone from an assembly just because they sin would be counterproductive to their salvation and our own. 
If someone falls off the wagon at an AA meeting does that mean he cannot come back?
In fact it is because he sins that the individual may need to assemble with others. However an AA meeting does not include a system of social welfare or a [[communion]] of [[Daily bread|daily bread]]. If someone continues to sin the flow of daily bread may not be the same. The living stones of Christ's altar may not and should not support the sin of those who do not believe in the ways and love of Christ. If they received communion of the [[Daily ministration]] of Christ while violating the commandments we would be weakening the poor.
While we may desire that none perish we would not want to encourage sloth nor sin by rewarding iniquity. It is love and forgiveness that we should encourage and we know that those who love Christ will strive to keep His commandments.<Ref>Matthew 19:17  And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
: John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.
: John 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
: 1 John 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
: 1 John 3:22  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
: 1 John 5:2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
: 1 John 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
: Revelation 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
: Revelation 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.</Ref>


==== Sense of Security and Safety ====
==== Sense of Security and Safety ====
Christ said he was the light. The light sees things as they are. It exposes the truth where nothing is in the dark. People who do wrong often hide from the truth of that wrong. They flee the light that exposes them for what they are.<Ref>[[Proverbs 4]]:18  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Proverbs 6:23  For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
[[Proverbs 13]]:9  The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
[[Proverbs 15]]:31 ¶ The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. Proverbs 15:32 ¶ He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
[[Matthew 5]]:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
[[Matthew 6]]:22  The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Matthew 6:23  But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
[[Matthew 10]]:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
</Ref> Those people of your assembly or of your community who love the truth and the ways of Christ will feel secure with you and those who hate the truth and prefer a lie will flee.
Fear not!<Ref>Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30  They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31  Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32  For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33  But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
</Ref>
The purpose of Christ was to serve and save others not himself. So while there is a need for personal safety it cannot be at the expense of our neighbor’s safety. To do so would contradict if not defy the purpose of Christ. To endanger or infringe the person or property of others in your assembly would then make the claim of coming in His name to become a travesty and a hypocrisy.
We were warned that the cry of peace and safety and what to do and not do to prevent the destruction that comes<Ref>1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 ¶  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
: 11 ¶  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.  12  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
: 16 ¶  Rejoice evermore. 17  Pray without ceasing. 18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19  Quench not the Spirit. 20  Despise not prophesyings. 21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.
: 23 ¶  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25  Brethren, pray for us. 26  Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27  I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.</Ref>
It is very clear that being a Christian may not be a safe thing to do...
* "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake." Matthew 24:9
The idea of securing our own life or saving our own life first is somewhat the antitheses of what Christ said.<Ref>John 6:33  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
: [[John 6]]:51  I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
: [[John 10]]:15  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17  Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
: [[John]] 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.</Ref>


==== Sense of belonging and identifying ====
==== Sense of belonging and identifying ====
We often think a ''sense of community'' comes from “belonging to” a community. However, in Christianity we believe Christ has set us free from belonging to anything but the God who gives life. We must obtain a ''sense of community'' by belonging with a community in the character of Christ.
What does it mean to come in in the name and character of Christ?
Christ came to serve.<Ref>[[Luke 22]]:27  For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
: [[John 12]]:26  If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.</Ref>
Do we come together to serve or to be served?
The [[Fathers]] of the earth and [[Benefactors]] of the [[World|world]] are a [[One purse|common purse]] system filled with the [[Biting one another|blood of your neighbor]].
If you come to be served then you will end up belonging to the community.<Ref>[[Colossians 2]]:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the [[Elements|rudiments]] of the [[World|world]], why, as though living in the [[World|world]], are ye subject to ordinances,[from a Greek word meaning public decrees]</Ref> But if you come to serve in righteousness and the righteousness of others in [[Christ]]’s name and according to His love then you will be set free and only belong ''with the community''.<Ref>[[Romans 13]]:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.</Ref>
* "And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them." John 17:10


==== Personal investment ====
==== Personal investment ====
* "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19
The sense of community comes from being the ''flock'' of Christ. The word we see translated ''flock'' or ''fold''<ref>Matthew 26:31  Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock <4167> shall be scattered abroad.
: Luke 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock <4167> by night.
: John 10:16  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold <4167>, and one shepherd.
: 1 Corinthians 9:7  Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock <4167>, and eateth not of the milk of the flock <4167>?</Ref>  in the [[Bible]] is the Greek ''poimne'' <Ref> 4167 ~ποίμνη~ poimne \@poym’-nay\@ contraction from 4165;  n f  AV-flock 4, fold 1; 5 1) a flock (esp.) of sheep  1a) of Christ’s flock i.e. the body of those who follow Jesus as      their guide and keeper</Ref>
It is a contraction of the word ''poimaino'' (poi-ma-i-no) <Ref> 4165 ~ποιμαίνω~ poimaino \@poy-mah’-ee-no\@ from 4166; v AV-feed 6, rule 4, feed cattle 1; 11
: 1) to feed, to tend a flock, keep sheep
::    1a) to rule, govern
:::      1a1) of rulers
:::      1a2) to furnish pasture for food
:::      1a3) to nourish
:::      1a4) to cherish one’s body, to serve the body
:::      1a5) to supply the requisites for the soul’s need
: For Synonyms see entry 5824</Ref> which has to do with feed or furnish pasture, nourish and cherish... to serve the body as a flock.
The word ''poimaino'' is from ''poimen'' <Ref> 4166 ~ποιμήν~ poimen \@poy-mane’\@ of uncertain affinity; n m AV-shepherd 15, Shepherd 2, pastor 1; 18
: 1) a herdsman, esp. a shepherd
::    1a) in the parable, he to whose care and control others have          committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow
: 2) metaph.
::    2a) the presiding officer, manager, director, of any assembly:    so of Christ the Head of the church; the NT uses the term    bishop, overseers, 1985 pastors, 4166 elders,        and presbyters 4245 interchangeably {#Ac 20:17,28  Eph 4:11 Tit 1:5,7 1Pe 5:1-4 etc.}
:::          2a1) of the overseers of the Christian assemblies
:::          2a2) of kings and princes
++++
The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were:
:  -to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep
:  -to defend the sheep from attackers
:  -to heal the wounded and sick sheep
:  -to find and save lost or trapped sheep
:  -to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.
During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.</Ref> meaning a ''herdsman''or a ''shepherd''.
A herdsman feeds the flock, guides his flock but does not force his flock. The flock also feeds the shepherd. The flock gives the shepherd the means by which he may provide a service for the whole flock.
:  "The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Psalms 23:1
The [[Kingdom of God]] is not a system of ''Rulers'' or what the Greeks called Archist but one of [[Anarchist]]s.
John 13:14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.


==== Common symbol and system ====
==== Common symbol and system ====


=== Influence ===
It is believed by some that it is very important for physical communities to have physical symbols. Symbols are to be a [[metaphor]] representing an ideal. We see this in history but a system represented or identified by a physical symbol can be a form of idolatry.


=== Integration and Fulfillment of Needs ===  
The Kingdom of God is primarily a spiritual community represented by the physical presence of that spirit manifested through the hearts and minds of the people who believe in Christ.
 
Those people who allow God to write his character upon their hearts and minds will manifest his character in their word and deed. If we use a particular symbol to represent that character and spirit then some may give an appearance of Christ or being a believer in Christ while in truth they are not.
 
* "Most mistakes in philosophy and logic occur because the human mind is apt to mistake the symbol for the reality." Albert Einstein
 
* "When a symbol unmoors itself from what it symbolizes, it loses meaning. It becomes ineffective”  Albert Einstein
 
It is the system of [[communion]] which includes a [[Daily ministration]] that sets the Christian apart from the [[World|world]].
 
* Matthew 7:16  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
 
* John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30  I and my Father are one.
 
* 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
 
* 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
: 16 ¶  Rejoice evermore. 17  Pray without ceasing.  18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19  Quench not the Spirit. 20  Despise not prophesyings. 21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.
 
* 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 ¶  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 12  Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13  Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
14  Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
15  Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
 
=== Influence ===
 
Job 38:31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences<Ref> 04575 ^הנדעמ^ ma‘adannah \@mah-ad-an-naw’\@ or (plural)    ^תונדעמ^ by transitive from bind; n f;  AV-influences 1; 1 1) bonds, bands</Ref> of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?
 
=== Integration and Fulfillment of Needs ===
 
"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16  He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17  He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." John 21:15
 
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=== Shared Connection ===  
=== Shared Connection ===  


2 Corinthians 6:1 ¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 3  Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6  By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;9  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.




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Latest revision as of 17:52, 10 April 2023

Sense of Community

Because of man's inherent agrarian nature he may need a “Sense of Community”.

  • “Sense of community is a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment to be together (Dr David McMillan, 1976).

In nature people are members of families and those families may form clans through marriage and communities through common interaction. The natural family as a unit may have a head or leader based on age and consanguinity.[1] The head of a family has been called an Elder. In the ancient Latin culture the ‘power of the father’, patria potestas, was inherent in his personal 'power to command' his family, his imperium.[2]

The family was often compromised by social compacts of contracts transferring allegiance from the head of the family to the head of the community or state. The whole family and the natural liberty of the individuals within the family was compromised by these contracts which could be implied or executed.

Congregations from the view of the Church, established by Christ, are free assemblies of families. The family is represented by the head of the natural family who is often the eldest member of that family still living identified as an Elder. Within the family there is a naturally imposed authority and allegiance upon the membership of the individual under the head of the family. There is also a hierarchy.

To maintain the natural freedom of the individual when families are gathering together one must consider the dangers and pitfalls of obtaining a “Sense of Community”. While gathering in congregations certain priorities and principles should be considered to avoid an unhealthy infringement upon the individual liberty. One does not want to “belong” to a congregation because the act of “belonging” may reduce our natural liberty from an individual to a person.

The Church only wants the individual to belong to a Christ and the Father of creation within the “natural family” and not compromise that sacred institution by granting authority or allegiance to the “fathers of the earth” whether they be civil or ecclesiastical.

While we should have an egalitarian approach to everyone, that position must allow for individual growth and change. How does a congregation of recorded elders develop a “Sense of Community” and remain free?

It has been suggested that there are four factors to the development of a “Sense of Community”:

Four Factors of a Christian community

1. Membership
2. Influence
3. Integration and Fulfillment of Needs
4. Shared Connection

How should someone who is actually following Christ, by seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, develop these four factors within a congregation of Recorded Elders [CORE] to establish a Christian community in accordance with Christ and His purposes since their gatherings are free assemblies?


Membership

The first factor is what they call Membership. A member is “an individual, thing, or organization belonging to a group”. That membership can be further defined as “a constituent piece of a complex structure.” The idea of “belonging” to a group, or becoming a “constituent piece” of something bigger, takes away the part of the wholeness of the individual. He is no longer seen as a mere attendee of a free assembly but becomes a cog in a machine with duties and obligations imposed by the whole.

The Kingdom of God is from generation to generation. It is a spiritual state we may seek in the world but it is not of the world. In the Kingdom of God their is no allegiance to a structure but only faith in Christ and God, and their ways. The obligations and duties of a member the Kingdom of God are not imposed by the structure or a hierarchy. There is no right granted by the King, one Jesus,[3] to exercise authority one over the other.

So there is no actual membership in a congregation itself. The recording of elders is a record of duties and obligations imposed by Christ at appointment of His Church[4] to individuals who also assemble themselves together by the direction of God and his historical pattern of Tens.

While there is no membership like we see in governments that set men one over the other as subjects to obligations and the performance of imposed duties[5] there may be a sense of membership produced by the record and testimony of love for one another manifested by the flow of that love in the form of charity and grace among the congregations of recorded elders [[CORE}} through the network of the service of titular leaders.

Membership may also simply be the feeling of belonging or of sharing of a sense of personal connection through adherence to Christ.

Breaking down the factor labeled membership some psychologist have identified at least five attributes:

  1. . Boundaries including criteria
  2. . Sense of Security and Safety
  3. . Sense of belonging and identifying
  4. . Personal investment
  5. . Common symbol and system

How would you define these five attributes of "membership" in a Christian community?

Boundaries

Boundaries of membership in a free assembly would include how people are drawn to become members or merely have a sense of membership from what keeps people out of or away from that assembly.

In the kingdom of God this drawing of members is done by the Corban of Christ. The Corban of the Pharisees had become a forced contribution imposed by the ordinances of a king or ruler. That force made the word of God to none effect.

The systems of the world impose an obligation of performance upon its members. When the systems are in debt then also are the people in debt. In the Kingdom of God we forgive that debt imposing nothing but the Perfect law of liberty upon ourselves. God forgives us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

John the Baptist and Christ as well as Moses preached systems of sacrifice that were based on freewill offerings or what we call Charity. The word Corban comes from the Hebrew word meaning to draw near. We draw near Christ when we live by His faith, hope and charity. By giving liberty to others Christ's sets us free.

It is the free communion offered by Christ that gives us that sense of membership and community in free and mutual sacrifice one for another rather than imposing obligations one over another.

If someone sins does that mean they cannot come to a Free Assembly?[6] Jesus sat with sinners.[7]   Some would say that these “boundaries” are defined by the commandments. 

Certainly the Ten Commandments are boundaries by which the sincerity of faith may be defined but judging by who Christ assembled with they should not keep people from a free assembly since Jesus assembled with sinners all the time.

The Ten Commandments, being fundamental to faith in Christ[8] and the Eternal life He speaks of will undoubtedly play into other attributes of membership as well. But to exclude someone from an assembly just because they sin would be counterproductive to their salvation and our own.

If someone falls off the wagon at an AA meeting does that mean he cannot come back?

In fact it is because he sins that the individual may need to assemble with others. However an AA meeting does not include a system of social welfare or a communion of daily bread. If someone continues to sin the flow of daily bread may not be the same. The living stones of Christ's altar may not and should not support the sin of those who do not believe in the ways and love of Christ. If they received communion of the Daily ministration of Christ while violating the commandments we would be weakening the poor.

While we may desire that none perish we would not want to encourage sloth nor sin by rewarding iniquity. It is love and forgiveness that we should encourage and we know that those who love Christ will strive to keep His commandments.[9]

Sense of Security and Safety

Christ said he was the light. The light sees things as they are. It exposes the truth where nothing is in the dark. People who do wrong often hide from the truth of that wrong. They flee the light that exposes them for what they are.[10] Those people of your assembly or of your community who love the truth and the ways of Christ will feel secure with you and those who hate the truth and prefer a lie will flee.

Fear not![11]

The purpose of Christ was to serve and save others not himself. So while there is a need for personal safety it cannot be at the expense of our neighbor’s safety. To do so would contradict if not defy the purpose of Christ. To endanger or infringe the person or property of others in your assembly would then make the claim of coming in His name to become a travesty and a hypocrisy.

We were warned that the cry of peace and safety and what to do and not do to prevent the destruction that comes[12]

It is very clear that being a Christian may not be a safe thing to do...

  • "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake." Matthew 24:9

The idea of securing our own life or saving our own life first is somewhat the antitheses of what Christ said.[13]

Sense of belonging and identifying

We often think a sense of community comes from “belonging to” a community. However, in Christianity we believe Christ has set us free from belonging to anything but the God who gives life. We must obtain a sense of community by belonging with a community in the character of Christ.

What does it mean to come in in the name and character of Christ?

Christ came to serve.[14]

Do we come together to serve or to be served?

The Fathers of the earth and Benefactors of the world are a common purse system filled with the blood of your neighbor.

If you come to be served then you will end up belonging to the community.[15] But if you come to serve in righteousness and the righteousness of others in Christ’s name and according to His love then you will be set free and only belong with the community.[16]

  • "And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them." John 17:10

Personal investment

  • "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19

The sense of community comes from being the flock of Christ. The word we see translated flock or fold[17] in the Bible is the Greek poimne [18]

It is a contraction of the word poimaino (poi-ma-i-no) [19] which has to do with feed or furnish pasture, nourish and cherish... to serve the body as a flock.

The word poimaino is from poimen [20] meaning a herdsmanor a shepherd.

A herdsman feeds the flock, guides his flock but does not force his flock. The flock also feeds the shepherd. The flock gives the shepherd the means by which he may provide a service for the whole flock.

"The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Psalms 23:1

The Kingdom of God is not a system of Rulers or what the Greeks called Archist but one of Anarchists.

John 13:14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Common symbol and system

It is believed by some that it is very important for physical communities to have physical symbols. Symbols are to be a metaphor representing an ideal. We see this in history but a system represented or identified by a physical symbol can be a form of idolatry.

The Kingdom of God is primarily a spiritual community represented by the physical presence of that spirit manifested through the hearts and minds of the people who believe in Christ.

Those people who allow God to write his character upon their hearts and minds will manifest his character in their word and deed. If we use a particular symbol to represent that character and spirit then some may give an appearance of Christ or being a believer in Christ while in truth they are not.

  • "Most mistakes in philosophy and logic occur because the human mind is apt to mistake the symbol for the reality." Albert Einstein
  • "When a symbol unmoors itself from what it symbolizes, it loses meaning. It becomes ineffective”  Albert Einstein

It is the system of communion which includes a Daily ministration that sets the Christian apart from the world.

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  • John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 ¶ Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
  • 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

Influence

Job 38:31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences[21] of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?

Integration and Fulfillment of Needs

"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." John 21:15


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Shared Connection

2 Corinthians 6:1 ¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.



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Footnotes

  1. ↑ Consanguinity ("blood relation", from the Latin consanguinitas) is the property of being from the same kinship as another person. In that aspect, consanguinity is the quality of being descended from the same ancestor as another person.
  2. ↑ Imperium is a Latin word which, in a broad sense, translates roughly as 'power to command'. In ancient Rome, different kinds of power or authority were distinguished by different terms. Imperium referred to the ability of an individual to command the military but originally the military was the militia of the people before the people began compromising their natural rights in social compacts.
  3. ↑ Mark 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. Luke 20:38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
    Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.
  4. ↑ Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
    Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
    Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
    Ephesians 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.
  5. ↑ Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
  6. ↑ Matthew 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
    Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
  7. ↑ Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
    Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
    Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
    Matthew 26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
    Mark 2:15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
    Mark 2:16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
    Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
    Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
    Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
    Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
    Luke 6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
    Luke 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
    Luke 6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
    Luke 7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
    Luke 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
    Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
    Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
    Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
    John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
    Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
  8. ↑ Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
    23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  9. ↑ Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
    John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
    John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
    1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
    1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
    1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
    1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
    Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
    Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
  10. ↑ Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Proverbs 15:31 ¶ The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. Proverbs 15:32 ¶ He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  11. ↑ Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
  12. ↑ 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
    11 ¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
    16 ¶ Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
    23 ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
  13. ↑ John 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
    John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
    John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
    John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
  14. ↑ Luke 22:27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
    John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
  15. ↑ Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,[from a Greek word meaning public decrees]
  16. ↑ Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.
  17. ↑ Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock <4167> shall be scattered abroad.
    Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock <4167> by night.
    John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold <4167>, and one shepherd.
    1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock <4167>, and eateth not of the milk of the flock <4167>?
  18. ↑ 4167 ~ποίμνη~ poimne \@poym’-nay\@ contraction from 4165; n f AV-flock 4, fold 1; 5 1) a flock (esp.) of sheep 1a) of Christ’s flock i.e. the body of those who follow Jesus as their guide and keeper
  19. ↑ 4165 ~ποιμαίνω~ poimaino \@poy-mah’-ee-no\@ from 4166; v AV-feed 6, rule 4, feed cattle 1; 11
    1) to feed, to tend a flock, keep sheep
    1a) to rule, govern
    1a1) of rulers
    1a2) to furnish pasture for food
    1a3) to nourish
    1a4) to cherish one’s body, to serve the body
    1a5) to supply the requisites for the soul’s need
    For Synonyms see entry 5824
  20. ↑ 4166 ~ποιμήν~ poimen \@poy-mane’\@ of uncertain affinity; n m AV-shepherd 15, Shepherd 2, pastor 1; 18
    1) a herdsman, esp. a shepherd
    1a) in the parable, he to whose care and control others have committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow
    2) metaph.
    2a) the presiding officer, manager, director, of any assembly: so of Christ the Head of the church; the NT uses the term bishop, overseers, 1985 pastors, 4166 elders, and presbyters 4245 interchangeably {#Ac 20:17,28 Eph 4:11 Tit 1:5,7 1Pe 5:1-4 etc.}
    2a1) of the overseers of the Christian assemblies
    2a2) of kings and princes
    ++++ The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were:
    -to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep
    -to defend the sheep from attackers
    -to heal the wounded and sick sheep
    -to find and save lost or trapped sheep
    -to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.
    During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.
  21. ↑ 04575 ^הנדעמ^ ma‘adannah \@mah-ad-an-naw’\@ or (plural) ^תונדעמ^ by transitive from bind; n f; AV-influences 1; 1 1) bonds, bands


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