Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
CITY ON A HILL
about their baptism. But we do get a few who feel that in the
light of the New Testament theirs wasn’t a valid experience.’
‘What about lifelong commitment, then? Is it biblical?’
‘Well, we shall always be members of Christ and his body,’
said Dave.
‘And it’s a big worldwide Body!’ was the reply.
‘This guy’s interesting,’ whispered Jim.
‘But it’s only real at a local level... isn’t it?’ Dave grinned.
‘Yes?’
‘Yes!’
Our heads swivelled to follow the ping-pong.
‘In the early church, they were a covenant people. There
was one local body, and you were either in or out!’
‘Fair enough!’ he smiled.
There was a brief silence.
‘I bet he’s got one about community,’ I said.
‘Do you think community is for everyone?’ he asked.
‘Trevor!’ said Dave.
‘Umm,’ said Trevor. ‘Well, let me see... the Hutterites called
it the “highest command of love”. If you follow the biblical
teaching to “renounce all that you have”, “love your brother
as yourself”, and “come out from amongst them”, where does
that get you?’
‘Not under one roof!’ exclaimed our friendly critic. Everybody
laughed.
‘Not necessarily,’ agreed Trevor, taking off his glasses, ‘but
the common purse does strike at the root of selfishness.’
‘Ouch!’ whispered Jim.
‘Let’s get out of here while the going’s good,’ I said.
201