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Monday, April 3, 2017
Page #8
The presence of faith within community involved so that future generations denominations or a particular can continue to enjoy a sense of religious dogma, but it’s more belonging. centered on an innocent enthusiasm to cooperate with In the 1830’s the young French others in order to live in peace. nobleman, Alexis de Tocqueville When people are committed to traveled throughout the United following God’s directives they States carefully observing its will not be able to ignore the people and institutions. When needs of those around them, thus, explaining the success of when followers of Christ reach out America’s democratic republic to to embrace community, everyone his countrymen, he commented at benefits. Community faith is about length about the critical role individuals who feel an played by America’s religious accountability to step out beyond devotion. He observed that the walls of the organized church spirituality was essential to and interact with the world that Dr. Billy Holland forming this nation’s political surrounds the church. Christians convictions and I can see why. were never called to be spectators The idea of faith within any Those who genuinely walk with – they are equipped and community usually leads to God are called to be a spiritual thoughts about various types of witness and testimony everywhere churches and this can definitely be a they go as well as being a practical part of it, however, if we step back asset providing stability, trust and and observe the larger picture we integrity. With the stress of social notice that faith is more of an correctness, we need the sincerity overall spiritual presence than just of sound spiritual wisdom along the local assemblies themselves. We with moral demonstrations of realize there is a huge difference God’s character now more than between being religious and ever. spiritual and this has everything to do with how we connect with God In 2006 and 2007, Robert Putham and society. The Christian of Harvard and David Campbell of evangelical emphasis is based on Notre Dame also surveyed a large the great commission which and representative sample of involves allowing the light of Christ Americans about the role of faith to shine as we associate with those in their lives. One of the unique who are watching. Though many contributions of their research have yet to embrace their spiritual discovered that behaviors, attitudes mission, the needs are great and and beliefs of those who are there is no shortage of opportunities considered people of faith are to become involved. For the more likely to give their time and follower of Christ, we are given the financial support to both religious responsibility to develop a genuine and non-religious causes. They lifestyle of sensitivity and there is also concluded with what George no greater environment to become a Washington declared in his walking, breathing lighthouse of farewell address, that “of all the love and concern than in our local dispositions and habits which lead community. to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable One definition of community supports.” When discussing how according to Merriam Webster is: “a Christians should participate in feeling of fellowship with others as socially responsible ways, active a result of sharing common faith is clearly just as vital for attitudes, interests, and goals.” This maintaining community today as it allows us to develop lifelong was when the Pilgrims and connections with neighbors, coPuritans arrived. workers, friends, church members and businesses that can evolve into Since the foundation of love lasting relationships. Especially begins with God and family, we within the smaller communities, this can agree the vision of community concept can be preserved by caring is to allow the character and parents and concerned individuals compassion of Jesus to overflow that are not afraid to roll up their into good works unto all people. sleeves and become actively This type of faith is not about
empowered to be participators! Social religion talks about the cross while the true disciple of Jesus is identified with what it means. In fact, all people within God’s Kingdom should be excited for the challenge to openly live what they believe and be included within society as an optimistic ingredient of faith, love and hope. Dr. Holland lives in Central Kentucky with his wife Cheryl, where he is a Christian author and community outreach chaplain. Request a free copy of his new CD at: billyhollandministries.com
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