For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. Matthew 18: 20
I have been very fortunate to have been part of a number of Christian communities over my life time. They all have contributed to my spiritual growth and have been a part of the ups and downs of my life and that of my family. Of course, no congregation is perfect and at times some of them have caused me or my family pain. However, like most things in life if something is important to us then we try to work through the difficult times in hopes of them getting better. Thus, since I can remember my family and I have always taken part in regular worship services wherever we lived. Over the years I have been a part of an American Baptist church, several Roman Catholic churches, and four Lutheran (ELCA) churches in a total of six different states.
I realize others may view being in a spiritual community in a different light. You may have been a part of a very difficult or challenging situation from being connected to a congregation, and may have been hurt because of it. That happened to my Mother when I was a young teenager. For a while she was given a very hard time for something that was going on in her life. She felt that she was doing the right thing but others in that church thought otherwise. Even though it was very painful for a while, she stayed there and continued to worship with them. Over time things got somewhat better, and she remained in that church until she passed away.
Jesus wants us to pray individually and with others. Where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, he will be there also. In this passage he is talking about how to deal with issues coming up in the church, however, one could also state that Jesus is among us whenever we are gathered in his name and trying to do his will. If you are already involved with a spirit-filled community please continue to allow them to be a part of your journey. If you don’t have one, may this verse encourage you to pray for guidance about finding one and then becoming an active part of the worship practices and the mission of the body of Christ. For when people are gathered in prayer, there is Jesus also! Peace! Vernon T.
Copyright © 2019 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
I have been very fortunate to have been part of a number of Christian communities over my life time. They all have contributed to my spiritual growth and have been a part of the ups and downs of my life and that of my family. Of course, no congregation is perfect and at times some of them have caused me or my family pain. However, like most things in life if something is important to us then we try to work through the difficult times in hopes of them getting better. Thus, since I can remember my family and I have always taken part in regular worship services wherever we lived. Over the years I have been a part of an American Baptist church, several Roman Catholic churches, and four Lutheran (ELCA) churches in a total of six different states.
I realize others may view being in a spiritual community in a different light. You may have been a part of a very difficult or challenging situation from being connected to a congregation, and may have been hurt because of it. That happened to my Mother when I was a young teenager. For a while she was given a very hard time for something that was going on in her life. She felt that she was doing the right thing but others in that church thought otherwise. Even though it was very painful for a while, she stayed there and continued to worship with them. Over time things got somewhat better, and she remained in that church until she passed away.
Jesus wants us to pray individually and with others. Where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, he will be there also. In this passage he is talking about how to deal with issues coming up in the church, however, one could also state that Jesus is among us whenever we are gathered in his name and trying to do his will. If you are already involved with a spirit-filled community please continue to allow them to be a part of your journey. If you don’t have one, may this verse encourage you to pray for guidance about finding one and then becoming an active part of the worship practices and the mission of the body of Christ. For when people are gathered in prayer, there is Jesus also! Peace! Vernon T.
Copyright © 2019 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
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