There was a time in my life when I would pass over sections of Scripture because they were beyond my understanding. At the time, I didn’t understand how serious God was about our being faithful stewards of the mysteries of His kingdom. I didn’t realize that there were things hidden for me to search out. I also wasn’t aware that He had a “way” of searching that would open up the mysteries of His word. I call this way: The “and” of searching in community.
I discovered this way through a contrast of meetings that providentially happened within a week of each other. In the first meeting, I saw – even felt – the tension rise in the room when the teacher introduced the topic of baptism. At least half the participants moved to the edge of their chairs waiting, it seemed, to hear the teacher say something that they did not agree with. I am convinced that their ears were closed to hearing, and the Spirit was grieved.
The second meeting was a blessed contrast. As with the first, there were people from various denominations. I am sure that each had a different understanding of the topic: Communion. But their hearts were softer towards God word, and each other. They were not looking to be right. They just wanted to know the truth; and knew they didn’t know it all.
The scripture that was introduced was Jesus’ claim (in John Chapter 6), to be the bread of life that must be consumed by those that desire to have eternal life. It was asked, “What did Jesus mean when He said:
… Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. John 6:53-56
After some consideration, one brother said he wasn’t sure, but thought it meant “so and so” to him. The next jumped in and said, “And it means… to me.” A third, “And it seems to be saying…”
To be honest, I can’t remember what any of them said about the meaning – because the Holy Spirit was focusing me on the “and” of their hearts. At no time during the conversation was “no” or “or” used. No one corrected or disagreed with the others. It was truly amazing; so amazing that I almost missed the most amazing thing:
In the midst of searching out the matter in loving community, this passage – that had so long been a mystery to me – was given meaning, somewhere deep in my heart. I couldn’t explain what I understood (that came later), but I knew something that I had not known before. The word – that word – became alive for me.
In reflection, I was reminded of Paul’s encouragement to the church in Rome:
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another… Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:3-5, 10, 16-18
Since that day – at least three years ago – I have not been in a meeting of kindred minds and hearts where I did not hear a word from the Lord. Where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there (and He has something to say).
Humbly yours and forever His,
inLight Adventure 
9 comments
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November 21, 2015 at 2:08 pm
Gary Ferguson
You brought up a really good point in talking about community. So often we go over scripture looking for truth but we miss the little nugguts that God throws in there. We try to intrepret what the word of God is saying so often but there are things hidden in between the lines of the statements that are being made. When we stop looking at our own opinon and if we are right and instead start loving and serving the body of Christ and the people around us; then God can lovingly bring us into deeper places of unity with one another and he as a wonderful Father will draw into his love and the Truth of who he is. This is a really important issue that the body of Christ needs to understand. Unity and good community is laying down your life and your mind and to take up the mind of Christ; being only to love and to serve wholeheartedly those around you.
November 24, 2015 at 10:11 am
Lindsey Wall
I find it so true that many times we miss things simply because our heart’s motives are not inline with the Spirit. I have often heard Pastor Dan speak about where at places he is speaking that debates will often arise but instead of confronting them he simply diverts all attention to the Lord Himself. There are many topics in Bible that bring about differing opinions, but are these things really something to debate about? What would happen if all of our hearts were so set on seeing more of the Father and in that pursuit, He reveals His mysteries.
November 30, 2015 at 7:35 am
Rob Streetman
Gary and Lindsey: Great comments. They remind me of the power of humility in opinionated settings. I am sure you remember John Brown recognizing that he has been wrong before and might be wrong again. I have seen this simple statement change the atmosphere in a room of senior pastors and church leaders. It was awesome. Furthermore, when we humble ourselves and trust the Lord, we find the mind of Christ for whatever comes out of others. This does not prohibit our saying what the Father would say (in His time). It simply means that what He has to say will have its power, and accomplish what He intends.
December 1, 2015 at 6:20 am
jonnyboi55
I think in the church today there is a huge lack of the body being poor in spirit. We just crave knowledge so much, for reasons of power, to prove rank, and going down a road like that is so dangerous and completely blinds us. Really praying for the body to become poor in spirit.
December 1, 2015 at 8:39 am
Cody Marinello
I feel in churches today that their is a lack of community. People go over scriptures trying to find the truths in them but are missing the bigger picture and there so foucus on craving the truth that it causes a split in the community.
December 1, 2015 at 4:19 pm
Rob Streetman
First, who is jonnyboi55? I appreciate the contrast of poor in spirit and seeking truth for power and rank. That is a good way to look at something people struggle to understand.
Cody, your observation is an example of what I was trying to say today. Seeking truth is a purpose God has for us; but things can go all wrong if that purpose is not grounded in His purpose for community. Great insight!
December 8, 2015 at 11:49 am
Lindsey Wall
jonnyboi55 is Jonathyn Carter.
January 21, 2016 at 9:19 am
Hailey Denson
It is very refreshing to be in a room of brothers and sisters who have been humbled. I love the concept of the “and” mindset. Being in a school of ministry, it is easy to see people shut others down for their points of view. In reality, I believe that different points of view brings opportunity for more revelation. People think and learn very differently from each other. Therefore, what you get from a message may not be what I get from the message. I believe the concept should be very similar because you are both reading the same Bible. However, I do believe that the revelation will be different, as the Lord provides.
February 2, 2016 at 2:30 pm
cydney swadinsky
Community is so vital. I’ve been really stuck in Romans for some time. Not because I can’t understand it but because Holy Spirit is deeply highlighting certain things in it for me. I think all of the comments from my brothers and sisters, myself included, paint a good picture of community. We are each bringing a vital piece of the bigger picture.