In the providence of God we are placed in a community (neighbourhood/church/family) to show compassion by taking responsibility for the needs around us. The Puritans did not contract this task out to the state and its welfare programs.
the church is meant to be the kingdom community, a model of what the human community looks like when it comes under the rule of God, and a challenging alternative to secular society.
Christians are notorious for not being self-aware. We get so entrenched in Christian culture that we don't realize that what feels normal to us may be very intimidating for someone else.Community, 139-140
What if we reclaimed the dinner table for meaningful conversations about what Jesus has done and how the Holy Spirit is leading us today? We don't have to be in a circle to talk about conviction, repentance, and the excellencies of Christ. When we relegate these conversations to specific times of "care and share" or Bible study, we are effectively compartmentalizing our lives. We are propagating the belief that these conversations and convictions should not spill over into unsanctioned times.Community, 98