Author Archives: Jay F Guin

[The last post was intended to be the conclusion of the series, but because Keith’s comment is so pertinent to the question at hand, and because it pushed me deeper into God’s word (which is always a pleasure), I’m posting this … Continue reading →

So there’s a line but not a line? Exactly. We love each other — fellow believers — with a special intensity, the kind of love known only among families. But we love unbelievers, too. But can’t share the same intimacy … Continue reading →

And so the church is just like the surrounding community? I mean, are there boundaries? Faith is the boundary. So is possession of the Spirit. But the question is deeper than that, much deeper. After all, God intends for us … Continue reading →

I think I understand, but this stuff about “mission” and “community” bothers me. It’s probably pretty much true, but doesn’t that mean we have to exclude the lost from our fellowship? And I’ve been reading some evangelism literature that urges … Continue reading →

You’re out of your mind, you know. That sounds all nice and wonderful, but it’s not real. Real is my church, and it’s miserable. We get along, but that’s about it. It’s a pain and a burden. I understand everything … Continue reading →

But God’s desire that we be organized in congregations — assemblies patterned after the covenant-making assemblies of the Israelites in the desert — is also about “love one another.” You see, it all fits together. We cannot love strangers, not in any … Continue reading →

So why do you suppose God set things up that way? You know, why set up his Kingdom in congregations that love each other in that way? Why not just be Christians individually and serve as the Spirit leads? Why … Continue reading →

I’m not sure if this is related, you know, but I think it might be. In Bible class the other day, we were studying 1 John, where John repeatedly tells his readers to love “one another.” But in other places, … Continue reading →