Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
I Corinthians 12:12-13
I’ve been reflecting lately on what has made South Fellowship so important in my spiritual growth. Although I love the community, I don’t come just because I like the people. The South is distinctive and represents part of the body of Christ because “one Spirit” — the Holy Spirit — is present. The Holy Spirit is a refreshing spring, washing away sins as we repent, transforming lives through the water of life. South is part of the body of the church because the Holy Spirit is here, transforming and helping the community.
How can we identify “community” that is part of the body of the church? The Holy Spirit whom Paul talks about in Corinthians 12, is present whenever believers gather with one heart and mind, worshiping and serving the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We need to seek with hearts tuned to what’s important to God. I’m reminded of the passage in I Samuel, where God instructs Samuel on how to choose a good king for Israel:
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7
We also need to look beyond outward appearances — denominations, production value, types of music, size of the congregation and variety of programs. It’s also important to remember that we want to be part of the body of Christ, not members of a local tribe, Paul reminds us of this in I Corinthians:
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I Corinthians 1:10-13
It’s interesting that Jesus tells us that what we are supposed to look for is agreement between two or three who follow Him. This is what we’re supposed to be looking for:
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20
It might seem like this is a low bar. I have to admit that I haven’t paid much attention to this passage, until recently. I’ve looked for churches to belong to. What I’ve realized lately is the power of “just” two or three. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of South Fellowship, but I’ve also been connecting to “two or three” outside of church. At my work in the Boulder Valley school district I’ve found three other believers who also really care for marginalized children and the schools that serve them. We’re starting to work together to reach children more effectively. I’ve lived in Boulder county for quite some time but haven’t found a church where I’ve been able to connect meaningfully. However, I’ve met a handful of believers whom I relate to really well. I feel like that’s how I can connect to the body in the area where I live. I’m so thankful for all of the ways I’ve been able to connect with other believers in my life.
by Sherry Sommer
