Bob Peterson: Side By Side Living

Community Church Vision Statement: (Slide 1)

“As a people living side by side, Community Church exists to pursue the transformation of hearts and minds by treasuring and spreading the surpassing worth of Jesus.”

Our vision statement was drafted some years ago to provide a concise summary of how this gathering of believers will fulfill the purpose of God in this community.   We reviewed our vision for this church, and feel this statement remains valid.  But as elders, we thought that it would be profitable to highlight it and remind ourselves of the significance of this summary. Does this look like lived out in the real life of the body and the individual believer?  To this end, we will be bringing you a series  of four messages that will hopefully bring Community Church’s vision statement to life in our hearts and minds and actions.  Mine is the first of these.

I get to begin with the first ten words –“As a people living side by side, Community Church exists….”  A simple start, but what a richness of thought and practical application comes out of it.

The Church – God’s design. Slide 2

First, let’s begin with “Community Church…..Exists”.

God the Father through the Spirit created the church with Christ as its head and works out his eternal purposes through it. 

Ephesians 1:22-23 “22 And He (God the Father) put all things under His (God the Son) feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Ephesians 3:9-13; 21 “9 and (Paul) to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in[a] God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that He has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. “

1 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Community Church Constitution Identity Statement (Slide 3)

“Community Church of Stevens Point, Wisconsin is a community of Christians who have been called by the Holy Spirit to unite in submission to Jesus Christ and His teachings and to express their life in God.”

Our Church Constitution Identity Statement reinforces the God-designed placement of the believer in a local church.  We are believers who have been called by the Holy Spirit to unite. And this is the proper context in which we are to carry out the work of Christ – Side by Side.

The Church began Side by Side (Slide 4).

At the day of Pentecost the church began by the outpouring of the Spirit of Christ. At its very beginning the church was “side by side”. 

Acts 2:41-47  “41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[a] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (giving not by compulsion)

The first church in Jerusalem grew and established quickly.  The severe persecution came and believers were scattered into surrounding regions.  Was that the end of the church? No. The believers scattered by persecution gathered into local churches and ministered there spreading the gospel. (Acts 11:19-26).  The church in Antioch was one of these. Paul, who formerly instituted the persecution that scattered them was sent out to the Gentiles from there.

Think of your own experience.  When we first believe we have a new desire to gather with other believers. Life circumstances may move us to a new location but a true believer will desire fellowship and seek out another local body of believers.

 We are wired to be together.  The Holy Spirit leads us to other believers where we can unite, grow in grace and fulfill God’s purposes side by side. An individual who claims to be a Christian and yet remains aloof from other believers has clearly missed something.

My main point in all of this is the significance of starting our Vision Statement by recognizing that the church exists and we are in fact intentionally placed in this body by God.  We are not solitary beings. We are planted together, living side by side.

 The Local Church – The Ground in Which We Grow. (Slide 5)

In truth, a spiritually healthy Christian does not operate outside the context of the Church and relationship with other believers in the New Testament. When a person repents and by faith believes the gospel, by the indwelling power of the Spirit of God that person is born again into a new creature. And at the same moment this new believer is immediately and intentionally thrust into a new relationship with other believers, which is the church, the body of Christ and the Bride of Christ.  In the New Testament record those who by faith receive the gospel are baptized and become part of a local church.

Acts 2:41-47  “41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

 The church is structured and enabled by the Spirit of God so that believers will grow in grace and exercise their spiritual gifts for the glory of God and His purposes.

Ephesians 4:11-13

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[a] and teachers,[b] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[c] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

Folks, this is us! God called us where we are. We are His own. He has connected us with other believers that we might grow and mature. To exercise the grace gifts He has given to build up His church; to bring Him glory and  fulfill His purposes. We have been planted side by side and this body of believers is the ground in which we grow.

The instructions and commands of the Epistles were to be implemented Side by Side (Slide 6)

With the exception of 1&2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon, Paul’s epistles are not written to individuals but to local churches, like ours. James, Peter, 1 John, Jude and the author of Hebrews addressed groups of people. Even epistles directed to individuals (Timothy, Titus) addressed issues and contained instructions for application in the church.

 We, as Individuals are personally accountable for our own obedience, but the local body of believers plays a critical role in advancing our growth towards maturity.  Read Ephesians 4 verses:

Ephesians 4:1-6 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4: 11-13 1 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[a] and teachers,[b] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[c] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

It is clear that the Christian experience is not intended solely as an individual endeavor but as part of a body of believers working in a structured environment side by side together. 

We have a responsibility to discipline and train one another for godliness. And God has gifted the church body for this purpose. Our growing to maturity in Christ is designed to be done most effectively Side by Side. 

Side by Side means diverse but united (Slide 7)  What picture comes to your mind when you think of people side by side?  Is it a vision of a group standing in disarray or in a full retreat?  Fighting and arguing?

No, the picture that comes to my mind is one of solidarity, standing or walking together side by side.  There is strength, comfort and a sense of power and purpose in walking side by side towards a common goal. 

When one stumbles the other can reach to help. Burdens can be shared and loads lightened.  In 1 Corinthians 12, speaking in reference to the application of Spiritual gifts in the church

Paul says, (V 4-7) ”There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.”

He continues in verses 14-27 (should be displayed on Power Point slide)

1 Corinthians 12:14-27 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts,[b] yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

So together we are a diverse people but united in Christ to accomplish God’s purposes and bring Him glory.

Side by Side requires submission. (Slide 8)

We are diverse.  Each of us has different personalities, sensitivities, cultural backgrounds levels of training, education and experiences. Our natural tendencies are to divide along these lines. 

In the Scriptures we see that individual believers are to submit to “one another” and to the church under the headship of Christ. There are many examples, but let’s look at a few:

Ephesians 5:21 “21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Hebrews 13:17“17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Ephesians 1:22 “22 And He (God the Father) put all things under His (God the Son) feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 

This idea of submitting and committing to a local body of believers has complications for us and can be a stumbling block for us in our highly individualistic culture.  Our culture (even in the church in America?) is very much like the condition described in the end book of Judges where the scriptures say, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25)   If we are offended or if we are feeling slighted or if we have a disagreement our culture tells us to focus on ourselves, insist on what we want or feel we need, validate ourselves…..

Scripture tells us to submit under God’s word, and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. We are instructed by our culture to exalt the individual.  The scriptures tell us to submit to one another and seek humility and unity within the body. There is no doubt, walking side by side can be messy! Each one of us deals with personality conflicts and the ongoing struggle with our own (and other’s) old sin nature. I love this earthy description of side-by-side life in proverbs 14:

Proverbs 14:4 says,”Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox” .

How many have cared for livestock? If you don’t want to clean up the (poop), don’t have oxen. But be prepared to do all of your plowing and heavy lifting yourself! Solomon did not write this to talk about oxen, but to teach about community relationships. In close, side-by-side relationships we will have conflict. The only way to avoid it is to separate totally from the church and these relationships. Clearly this is not a solution that would glorify God or end well for a believer.

Philippians 2:1-4“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” 

Obeying the scriptures in submission to one another and to Christ gives us the ability to live together and resolve the messes together.  The “Life Plan materials we are studying will tell us: according to Galatians 2:20, it is “no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”. Nothing God commands a believer to do is impossible for that believer to do.  We just need to be willing to submit and obey!

Side by Side means Encouraging One Another (Slide 9)

We have seen that the instructions and commands in the scriptures are directed not only to the individual but to the church.  There is a responsibility for those walking side by side to disciple and train one another for godliness. And we also see that it is necessary to humbly submit to one another within the church and preserve unity. 

But one of the most significant things we can do for one another is to encourage each other day by day as we encounter life together.

1 Thessalonians 5:11”11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Ephesians 5:18-20”18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 

Philippians 4:8 ”8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

I experienced a good example of this on Friday this week as I got a text from a godly lady in our midst who I think would rather remain anonymouns.  She essentially prayed for me via text message directing me to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and have peace in my preparations beyond natural bounds. I needed that encouragement.  Led by the Spirit, she was exercising her grace gift to encourage me.  

Side by Side - standing together in the midst of attack/trials. (Slide 10)

Jesus told us that in this world we will have troubles: John 16:33 “ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Peter, in his first epistle also tells us we will encounter trials: 1 Peter 4:12 “12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Paul instructs us in a practical way how we are to stand in trials together. Read

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…”

This instruction and exortation is not primarily in the context of the individual  In Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes: “ woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up; and a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart” 

One individual alone is more easily defeated than if that individual is supported others.  Side by side we are to stand together depending on the armor of God when trials come.  We are not to leave one of our members struggling alone. Gifts of grace are distributed in the body and some individuals are more skilled than others with the various armor and weapons that are metaphorically described by Paul.  Also, many shields are better than one shield in defending against an enemy’s arrows.

Together we stand firm against the devil and the trials he may bring our way, each one contributing to the strength of the resistance by the grace and power of God working in us as we depend on Him.

Side by Side – the heart behind covenant membership No Slide.

My final point on the significance of our vision statement beginning with “As a people living side by side…” is related to church membership.  As elders we are making it a point to encourage people who are believers in Jesus Christ and consistently attend here to become covenant members of this church body.

There are perhaps some very practical reasons why the concept of membership may be good for a church organization. But the heart behind our desire to see membership grow is rooted in the scriptural evidence we have looked at this morning.

True believers are intentionally placed in the body of Christ locally to grow in grace and exercise their gifts under the authority of Christ and the structure He provides. And it is by this that He will accomplish His purposes and bring God glory locally, globally and into eternity.

We believe there is a richness and beauty in an individual’s entering a covenant relationship with a local body,  We covenant together to unify under the headship of Christ and the authority of the scriptures. We covenant to actively invest significantly of our grace-given gifts and resources to support this local body and contribute to the greater work of God’s eternal purposes.

In the Million-mile overview each individual believer is a part of the universal world-wide body and bride of Christ secured for all eternity. But on a practical, hands-on way we see men and women in scripture intimately associated with a local body of believers knit together loving, instructing, meeting needs, disciplining and growing in grace. That is what we desire for men and women here; to be found committed to one another side by side, in all the changing circumstances of life, seeking to accomplish God’s purposes and bring Him glory here, now, locally.