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Originally from: jim wies (jimmy@dfs.wwia.net) In Ephesians 2:19-21, Paul the apostle states that we are no longer
alienated, but rather fellow citizens with the saints; that we are being
"fitted together" and "built together" into a dwelling of God. To be a
"related" Church simply means we are "connected" by relationship with one
another.
God insists that we be rightly related to one another. The Scriptures
in 1 John 2:9-11 & 3:19-21 imply that if we want to stay in right
relationship with God, we must be about the work of maintaining a right
relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This means the task
of building and maintaining right relationships is not an optional sideline
but rather an essential ingredient of our Christian life.
Independence and isolation are sure signs of unhealthiness or immaturity.
Prov. 18:1 states "He who separates himself is seeking his own desire and
is quarreling against sound wisdom." Instead we are to "Grow up in all
aspects into... Christ... from whom the whole body, being fitted and held
together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working
of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up
of itself in love (Eph.4:15,16).
God is so concerned that we be rightly related to one another that He
has inextricably connected His dealings with us to our dealings with one
another. For instance, if we don't forgive others, He will not forgive us
(Mk. 11:25,26). The entire law and prophets are summarized in Matthew
22:37-40 as our being rightly related to God and to one another.
Being rightly related speaks as well to the issue of proper structure
and government within the Church. Being rightly fitted and held together
includes understanding how to relate to spiritual authority and how to
properly exercise spiritual authority; a touchy issue to be sure, but one
that faces all of us. It also means more than experiencing healthy
relationships and proper structure within, but also having proper
relationship with the greater Body of Christ.
Every local Church must always recognize the need to network with the
larger Body of Christ. Ps. 133 states that where the brethren dwell together
in unity, there the Lord commands a blessing. We must always recognize
we are only a part of God's work in our city.
Proper relationship with the larger Body of Christ means recognizing peer
relationships as well as mentor relationships. Peer relationships with other
ministries are those with whom we form alliances and coalitions for more
effective ministry. Mentor relationships are those from whom we receive
instruction, oversight and accountability. These relationships are vital to
the ongoing health of any Church or ministry.
Since Scripture states that the Church is built on the foundation of
apostles and prophets, (Eph.2:20) and since these ministries are more often
trans-local in nature rather than within the local Church, we are wise to
recognize their value and place in relation to the local Church. One of the
vital issues of the Church in next 3 to 5 years is destined to be how to
properly relate to trans-local government within the Body of Christ.
We need to recognize our need for one another. We need to recognize our
need for foundational input from apostles and prophets. These gifts are
given to us by our ascended Lord and Savior Jesus because He thinks we need
them. I think I agree with him...
In His Service,
Originally dated: Sun, 30 Nov 97 23:40:04 -0500
Jim Wies
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