Comunidade
A comunidade cristã é essencial para o crescimento da fé. A Bíblia ensina que fomos criados para viver em comunhão — edificando-nos, encorajando-nos e servindo uns aos outros.
Viver em unidade
Os que creram eram um coração e uma alma. A comunidade primitiva partilhava tudo e vivia em harmonia e alegria.
And of the multitude of those that had believed was one heart and one soul; no one said that anything he possessed was his own, but they had all things common.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food together with gladness and singleness of heart,
praising God and having grace with all the people. And the Lord added to the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones} daily such as should be saved.
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Peter therefore was kept in the prison, and the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones} made prayer without unto God for him.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Edificação mútua
Vivam em harmonia uns com os outros. Não haja divisões entre vós. A comunidade cresce quando cada membro contribui.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfect, joined together in the same understanding and in the same perception.
For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Greeks, whether we are slaves or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
For in the manner that we have many members in one body, nevertheless all the members do not have the same operation;
likewise many of us are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Be unanimous among yourselves, not high minded, but accommodating the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Bear with the one who is sick in the faith, but not unto doubtful discernment.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be unanimous among yourselves according to Christ Jesus,
And I beseech you, brethren, mark those who cause dissensions and offences outside of the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them.
Amor e compromisso
Não deixemos de congregar. O vínculo perfeito é o amor — ele une a comunidade e produz frutos que duram.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto charity and unto good works,
not forsaking our gathering together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another and so much the more, when ye see that day approaching.
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection.
being diligent to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
And finally, be ye all of one consent, of one affection, loving each other fraternally, merciful, courteous,
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have communion with him in the midst of us, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Here there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if ye are Christ’s, then ye are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Honour widows that are widows indeed.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receives whomsoever I send receives me, and he that receives me receives him that sent me.