Embracing the Jesus life inevitably leads us into the Jesus Community.  Jesus lived His entire life in relationships. From the earliest moments in a manger when shepherds showed up unexpectedly; to being baptized by His cousin, John the Baptist; to the calling of His disciples; to hanging on the cross surrounded by His mother and disciples as He died; to His resurrection morning conversation with Mary; and finally to the time after His resurrection spent opening the scriptures with His followers; Jesus lived in relationships and community.

It should come as no surprise to us that James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, would spend time encouraging first-century Christians to Embrace the Jesus Community as they followed Jesus.  Those living in the Jesus Community were asked to embrace a totally different value system than the people outside that community.  And yet, they were also living in the non-Jesus community around them.  How could they follow Jesus and His values while simultaneously interacting with the world around them?

Beginning this Sunday, March 2, we will explore James’ instructions for the 1st Century followers of Jesus in an attempt to discover what it means to Embrace the Jesus Community in the 21st Century.  I hope you will join us in person or online.