True Community

I just finished reading "True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia", by Jerry Bridges.This is the first book I've read by Jerry Bridges -- I'll read others. I likely would not have picked up this book had it not been free for Kindle for a brief time. That would have been a huge loss for me. Even within the church, the common understanding of "fellowship" is limited to social interaction -- enjoying the company of others. While that is certainly one facet of biblical community (or fellowship or koinonia), the community of believers as described in the Bible is much deeper, richer, and more satisfying than that. I knew that a deeper meaning was partnership or working together for the advancement of the Kingdom of God, but even that meaning is incomplete.Bridges leads the reader through an excellent study of "koinonia" in Bible. The foundation is Romans 12:5, "...each member belongs to all the others." True fellowship begins with the fact of this objective relationship with God and other believers -- when one surrenders to Christ, one enters into a relationship with God and with the body of Christ, the universal church. That relationship with other believers is worked out experientially as we share spiritually, work together in partnership in the gospel, use our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body, share our material possessions with those in need, support ministries, suffer for Christ or share in the suffering of other believers, serve others both above and below, and enjoy being with others. All of this is possible because of our communion with Christ and His body.I highly recommend this study. It's not a difficult read and the reader will be encouraged and challenged by the depth of inter-relatedness that is tied up in the simple word, "community" ("fellowship").Unfortunately, "True Community" is no longer free, but is available for Kindle on Amazon (I gain no benefit from this recommendation).

Everyone needs a good community. This is an awesome book. Quick read.

If you’re looking for a great perspective on genuine Christian fellowship or community, give this book a try. I’ve been a Christian for years and I learned so much. I like the chapter on the union in Christ. Enjoy this book as I did thoroughly.

This was a very refreshing book and cuts to the heart of what we have made modern-day community - really, an artificial, lifeless union with one another that produces little of the spiritual fruit of the early church. And it's no wonder when the essential ingredient, koinonia, is just not there.We invest in programs and try all sorts of things to replace what the early church had naturally, born out of their life with Christ, and what we reap is a group of strangers that come together and give each other polite greetings, talk about sports and the weather, but little else. Churches have tried to address this with small groups and other things, but still fall short.But he doesn't leave us hopeless. He is very practical in the outworkings of koinonia. I would love to be a part of a church where this exists as it did in the early church, but have yet to see it in action for myself, except among a small group of friends (all part of different churches for the most part).

I have read almost all of Bridges books with only a few remaining. Although I have read hundreds of books from numerous authors, no author has mentored me more or impacted my relationship with Christ like Jerry Bridges. What a gift to the church he was... and still is through his writings

Jerry Bridges has written a book which shows us the way to deeper fellowship as believers. He begins with defining the biblical term koinonia. Then he drops back to the individual level to speak of union and communion with God. In other words, if one does not have a personal relationship with God he or she can not have true community with other believers because our fellowship is rooted in the saving grace of Christ.With the issue of the individual's standing before God explained, Bridges goes on over the next chapters to explain different areas of fellowship which lead to true community. Spiritual fellowship, gospel partnership, the use of spiritual gifts, sharing of possessions, suffering, and service are among the areas Bridges addresses. These chapters are filled with solid biblical exposition and helpful application.I used True Community in a Sunday School class and found it very useful and appreciated by the group.

If you have studied on this topic before then there will not be anything "new" or "groundbreaking" But this is not a critique of the book. In fact, this work is well researched and does a reasonable job of remaining within the context of Scripture and theme. For those, in the modern church, who are looking to serve or approach ministry from an Acts 2 viewpoint this book is an excellent place to begin.If you are wanting to instruct your small group, church or fellowship to re-think mainstream modern ministry then this is very good resource to engage in.

Jerry Bridges walks the reader through all the nuance of the biblical word for fellowship and then masterfully walks through what each looks like in the everyday life of Christians together.

The key word in the New Testament which describes our shared relationship as believers is `Koinonia'.The word is most often translated `fellowship' or `partnership' and it is a word that describes our life together, our relationship to Christ and to one another.However, the word `fellowship' has become weakened to almost mean Christian socializing - having coffee and donuts and chatting together.At eh beginning of this new book, True Community, Jerry Bridges explains the four key ingredients to authentic relationships, true kononia, in the local church.He does that under two headings: Sharing Together and Sharing WithSharing Together1. Community - we share life in Christ`It is not the fact that we are united in common goals or purposes that makes us a community. Rather, it is the fact that we share a common life in Christ.' Jerry BridgesChrist has caused us to be born again, bringing us individually into life in Jesus Christ - this inevitably joins us to one another. We share this life. Our eyes are open to the same spiritual realities and experiences. We are one family in Christ.2. Partnership`The concept of fellowship as a spiritual partnership is firmly embedded in the New Testament use of koinonia. Whereas relationship describes believers as a community, partnership describes them as a community in action.' he writes.`Biblical community, then, incorporates this idea of an active partnership in the promotion of the gospel and the building up of believers.'The church is engaged in a Gospel Venture, it's a Missional Movement.Sharing With1. CommunicationWe have the privilege of sharing with each other, teaching one another, what God has given us in our understanding of the Scriptures, and in our experiences. In Acts 2 there is a direct link with a hunger for teaching from the Bible and sharing life together. Gathering as we do to hear the Scriptures explained and then discussing truth together is a key part of what make our relationships work.2. Sharing material possessionsI was surprised, and encouraged, to see how big a deal Bridges makes of this.Acts 2:44-45 makes it clear that there was more involved than sharing their thoughts and revelations. They shared their stuff. They sold their property in order to support the poor. In 1 Cor Paul says that although we are different we are joined to each other and that all parts of the body should have a concern for all the parts - not just themselves. `That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.' 1 Cor 12:25-26This is a community that is joined together not in an abstract way - but in a very close sense. We are members of one body of Christ. We therefore supply strength to the weaker parts.2 Cor 8:13-14 Paul reassures the believers that the point is not to supply someone else's need by making yourself poor. No, but rather, `that there might be equality.'Bridges adds, `Paul envisioned a continual flow of believers' possessions toward those who have needs. This is an outworking of koinonia, an important expression of true community.'Simon Pettit referred to these dynamics in his historic sermon, 'Remember the Poor' see The Church History Blog for links to the audio and video of that message.That's not the whole book - but it certainly is a powerful way to begin. The idea of 'fellowship' without these essentials leaves us merely attending church rather than modelling the Kingdom of God. A good read.

This book is an authentic, practical 'tool' - it digs deep into the applying the Word to our daily lives in a community.