Our Life Together Vol. 3 Nr. 33 August 19, 1975

Once again, Ken develops the theme of Community; we really achieve holiness and understand theology when we are in relationship with one another. I think that there is great truth in this article. I certainly was (and am) a true disciple of Ken on this issue. My final sermon when leaving FBCCV in 2005 was "When all is said and done, it's all about relationships." The only argument that I might have with Ken is that he continues to insist that this is the only way. God is much broader than this. God did speak to, in and through those theologians working in their "ivory towers." God did (and does) meet with those who get alone with him in striving to grow in personal holiness. We must be open to meeting God wherever he takes us; yes, in community with its relationships, academically as we study to improve our minds and on the mountain tops as we experience God by ourselves.
I think that the article by Clay is ironic. One of the reasons that Clay and Cheri Ford left community was because of what they perceived as abuse of the issues of submission and authority. The article itself is scripturally true. We are to submit to one another. Most of our teachings in those days whether by Ken, Clay, Larry or other of the elders was correct. There must be submission to authority. The problem lies in the fact that it is quite easy for those in authority to go past proper boundaries and abuse their God given authority. On the other hand, it is also relatively easy for those in submission to get lazy and obey authority without weighing the ramifications of that obedience. All in all, this is a good article.
Larry's article is another fine example of exhorting us to make God first in our lives.
I have mentioned George and Eleanor Burger in an earlier post. Here they are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. That was a long time ago -- I thought they were old. From my current perspective, they weren't old at all. I was just pretty immature.