If the Bible were merely a literary document, we could observe its grammar and historical context and do no more. But the Bible is not merely a literary document; it is God’s Word to His church, inspired by the Holy Spirit. When reading the Bible, the main question that we must ask is, “What is God telling us? What does the Holy Spirit mean by this?”
Our covenant God who dwells with us has designed the church to live in community. When the church lives in community as God designed, she practices this with a culture of compassionate care for suffering and sinning saints. And it is sweet! It is a great joy in our lives! When we fail to practice this compassionate care, fellow saints are further hurt and their suffering increases. Therefore, I am writing to encourage us to care for one another in the church and to seek this care in the local congregation and in the broader church world because this is God’s design.
Standard Bearer
Vol 100, No. 1 (October 1, 2023).The Standard Bearer exists for Christ’s church. Our writers labor for the magazine because they love the church too. You read our magazine most likely because you also love the church...
