The story constitutes the community. It is not that it is only story. It is just that it is not less than story. When we talk about what constitutes a local Christian community of faith we cannot help but recall the story of Pentecost. Out of the giving of the Spirit came the widespread declaration of the story of the person of Jesus, the Christ. As the story spread local Christian communities sprung up at its telling. The Spirit pointed and reminded – pointed to Jesus and reminded all he said and did.

Standing in opposition to the powers of the day citizens of the Roman Empire flaunted convention Rather than declare Caesar is Lord they instead found the way of Jesus, the easy yoke, liberating and life-giving. They declared Jesus is Lord. Community life turned on the person of Jesus and the story of God’s aim of setting “the world to rights” in Jesus.

What are your thoughts?