A view that could change your world

As a 21st century person who lives in a modern western democracy, I think it is probably difficult for me to grasp the sense and understanding that Jesus had of community. His whole life was spent was spent in close proximity to others. He did take time away for himself to refresh and spend time with "the Father." I think it was not just a cultural thing, but actually he was modelling what Christian community could look like.

Our author today had some decided views on Christian community. Dietrich Bonheoffer  was a theologian and pastor in Germany at the time of Nazis Regime. He was fiercely opposed to the regime whicheventually resulted in his execution by the Nazis on the final day of the Second World War at Flossenburg Prison.


Bonheoffer made this basic statement: Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this.

These are his 3 basic premises:

1. A Christian needs others because of Jesus Christ.
2. A Christian only comes to others through Jesus Christ.
3. In Jesus Christ we have been chosen from eternity, accepted in time, and united for eternity.

The part that stands out for me in that statement is the second statement that A Christian only comes to others through Jesus Christ. I find that challenging simply because I had never really considered my relationships with others in the light of coming through Jesus. When you think about it makes perfect sense that it is our knowing of Jesus and our relationship with Jesus that will effect every other relationship we have. I am not just talking about Christian community I am talking about all relationships.

We are the carriers of the Gospel in words, deeds and interactions with others. We are the directors of others towards salvation in Jesus Christ. When we come to others Bonheoffer suggests that we come with Jesus is our "Prince of Peace". Which makes us purveyors of peace to those we meet, making us significantly different from those in the general culture around us.

Only in Jesus Christ can we truly be bound together. To eternity he remains the one mediator.

Food for thought as we start the new year.

How is your peace quotient?