I have heard on more than a few occasions, Preachers today preaching about community and telling people that

a personal relationship with God is selfish. They say that one thinking in terms of a personal relationship with God is exclusive can lead to individualism which leads to secular humanism. Preaching the personal relationship and ignoring the communal relationship as taught to us by the Apostles IS selfish. But, I dont see this in Bible believing churches. Preaching Community and telling people that a personal relationship with God is selfish, is something that I DO see in churches. This can be dictatorial and totalitarian. As Paul begins his epistle to the Colossians, he praises them for the love they have for all the saints, BECAUSE OF the hope they have in heaven. (chp.1:4,5) The vertical, personal relationship that each believer has with his creator and redeemer is vital and should be valued. Just as there would be no horizontal beam on the cross unless there is a vertical one to mount it on, there is no horizontal relationship with other people that is of eternal significance unless the individual possesses the treasure of eternal life to share with others. Unless the vertical beam of the cross also has the horizontal one, there is no place for the outstretched arms of our crucified savior, which teaches us to love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12) The Gospel of a personal relationship with God is not a Full Gospel if it teaches us to keep it to ourselves. The Gospel of Community relationship with others is an empty gospel unless it teaches us that the personal relationship with God is where it begins. Consider this; In Galatians chapter four Paul tells us that while mankind was under the law it was like being under a guardian who has charge over an underage child. Now, this child is heir to the master but has no property rights, just like a slave. But, when Christ came (vs. 4) and instituted the New Covenant something changed. We who hope in Christ (Eph. 1:12) are now heirs of God and adopted as sons. We now have property rights in our Fathers Kingdom. We are each sons of God. Notice that the plural sons indicates individuality. When God told Moses to confront Pharaoh in order to free the nation of Israel from slavery in Egypt, (Ex. 4:22:23) He called Israel His first born son The word son is a singular noun describing many people united in a joint, communal relationship with God. It is said that they enjoyed corporate blessing. But, now we are sons of the living God (Romans 9:27) Notice that this verse refers to the prophetically chosen Gentiles, who come to God through Christ in the New Covenant. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, Romans 8:14-16

Believers in Christ, heirs of God in the New Covenant are sons of God; children of God. These are plural nouns describing many people. But, please dont let someone tell you that plural means a communial relationship. It is merely used to describe many individuals. In 1 Corinthians 13:12 Paul joyfully looks forward to experiencing divine knowledge when he sees The Lord face to face. The grammar Paul employs in the Greek text is of a definite first person singular nature referring to himself, not a group. It is clear that he highly values his personal relationship with God. We should do no less. So please preachers; preach community. Romans 12, Colossians 3 and so many others tell us how important it is. But please preach a Full Gospel that does not disparage, dismiss, or discard our Personal Relationship with Our Lord.