Living As a Disciple of Jesus in Community

When people ask me why they should go to church, I remind them of this: Human beings exist in two worlds – the physical and the spiritual. The physical world includes everything we can touch, see, smell, and hear. The spiritual world includes things that are no less real even though they can’t be directly observed.

Human life is biological, but it transcends biology. Although the spiritual realm can’t be physically seen or touched, it can be experienced – like when we feel there must be more to life than living and dying. Or when we pray. Or when we feel connected to God in a way we can’t fully explain. Beyond our material existence, we are spiritual beings, capable of faith, worship, and pondering the mysteries of reality.

As such, just as it’s wise to care for ourselves physically, it’s wise to care for ourselves spiritually. Which is why attending church can be invaluable. There, you can find community, a sense of belonging and spiritual nourishment that can transform your life.

Our need for community is wired into our souls. Something transcendent happens when we connect with other people. Our lives intersect, not as mindless robots or biological machines, but at a deeply mysterious level that philosophers and poets have written about for centuries.

Ray Vander Laan is joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to explain how biblical communities sustain us when we’re weak and provide us opportunities to give when others are in need.

Ray has been our guest numerous times over the years and has partnered with us since 1995 to produce the extensive That the World May Know video series, which has touched millions of lives around the world. He has led nearly 10,000 people through tours in the Middle East. A religion instructor at Holland Christian Schools in Holland, Michigan, Ray is an ordained minister, and an expert in Jewish history, who has been teaching the Bible for over 40 years.

I encourage you to experience the RVL Discipleship Series. There are four seasons, and each one builds on the one before it. You can only get this digital series through Focus on the Family. It’s great for small group study or to use with your family or individually.

Hear our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or listen on our free phone app.

The RVL Discipleship Series is available for a gift of any amount. Click here for more information or give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).