In 1 John, we’re invited to walk in the light, practice the truth, and live in fellowship with one another. As CRI Responders, this invitation goes beyond personal growth—it’s a call to gather with others in your community, create strong bonds, invite God’s presence into your homes, and empower you to impact the world around you.
1 John 1:4-7 (ESV)
And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 2:2-6 (ESV)
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this, we know that we have come to know him if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
Let’s explore how these Scriptures can guide us in living missionally, forming “koinonia” (true Christian fellowship), and helping us to fulfill our call in times of crisis.
What Does It Mean for Our Joy to Be Full?
1 John 1:4 speaks of a joy that comes from fellowship with God and each other. This joy isn’t based on circumstances but on the deep satisfaction of living out God’s purposes. For CRI Responders, this joy comes from knowing we are united in Christ and that through community and our actions, we bring the love and hope of the gospel to our regions and to the world.
What Does It Mean to Walk in the Light?
Walking in the light means living in alignment with God’s truth and sharing that truth through our lives and into our communities. 1 John 1:7 reminds us that walking in the light opens the door to fellowship, where the presence of God dwells among us and empowers us to serve. Imagine opening your home to neighbors, friends, and fellow believers—gathering together as a family on mission, sharing life, worship, and prayer. This kind of fellowship strengthens us, giving us the courage and boldness to step into the hardest places and bring relief, hope, and the gospel to those in need.
What Does It Mean to Practice the Truth?
As CRI Responders, we’re called to practice the truth by living out the gospel in tangible ways—whether it’s providing disaster relief, bringing food and water to those in crisis, or simply being a listening ear. Practicing the truth is more than knowing Scripture; it’s about letting it transform our actions. As we gather in our homes and build community, we create spaces to hold each other accountable, encourage one another, and be strengthened to live out the truth in our daily lives not just on deployment.
The Power of “Koinonia” in Kingdom Family
“Koinonia”, or true fellowship, is essential to living missionally. It’s more than just getting together; it’s about sharing life deeply, with Christ at the center. In the early church, believers gathered in homes to break bread, worship, and serve together. Once you have truly experienced this, it’s hard to live any other way. When we gather in fellowship groups, we create a Kingdom Family, where God’s presence empowers us to bring His love to our communities.
As CRI Responders, God is inviting us to build these “koinonia” communities in our homes. By becoming a CRI Ambassador, you can open your home to others, creating a space where relationships are strengthened, God’s presence is felt, and mission flows naturally. At the upcoming Kingdom Family Summit, we’ll be offering special training and commissioning to equip you as a CRI Ambassador. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of something bigger, to join a family on mission, and to bring light to the darkest places.
Walking as Jesus Walked: Living Missionally Together
1 John 2:3-6 calls us to keep His commandments and walk as Jesus walked. For us, this means living in love, humility, and obedience—just as Jesus did. In the context of CRI, it means stepping into the chaos of crisis, whether it’s disaster response, serving the vulnerable, or sharing the gospel. But it also means being rooted in community. Together, as a Kingdom Family, we are stronger. We can pray for one another, hold each other up, and step out boldly to fulfill the Great Commission.
Gather and Go
The heart of CRI is not just responding to crises but building a Kingdom Family that lives on mission every day. By gathering in your home with others from your community, you are creating a space where God’s presence dwells, where relationships grow strong, and where together, you can go out and serve the world.
As you apply to become a CRI Ambassador, think about the impact you can have by opening your home, gathering others, and stepping out in faith. The Kingdom Family Summit will be a powerful time of training and commissioning, where we will come together to be equipped and sent out to make a greater impact for the Kingdom.
Walking in the light, practicing the truth, and living in community are foundational to our mission as CRI Responders. As we embrace the power of “koinonia” and live as a Kingdom Family, we will see God’s presence propel us into deeper relationships and significantly impact our communities. Now is the time to gather, grow, and go together.
Apply to become a CRI Ambassador today, and join us at the Kingdom Family Summit for commissioning and equipping. Let’s live on mission, bringing the love of Christ to those in need, empowered by God’s presence and the strength of community.
Register for The Kingdom Family Summit
Apply to Become An Ambassador