I was struck by the emphasis on "unheimlichkeit" in the first section. This is a concept by Martin Heidegger that emphasis the homesickness of the Christian. Paul says we are no longer "foreigners and aliens" when we are in Christ. It is our homesickness that leads us to seek the restored relationship that Christ offers.
Keller describes the church in three vivid ways of increasing intensity: fellow citizens in a nation of God's people; brothers and sisters in God's household; and stones in a temple in which God resides. We are being called in deep relationships and deep involvement in a Christian community. I should seek deep accountability with those in my community, deeper hospitality with those I reach out to, and the willingness to share our corporate spirtuality - which means actually talking about your faith with others. Keller wraps us this section by reviewing the concept from C.S. Lewis' "The Four Loves." In this book Lewis describes how we are made better in community because each of us helps the others understand Christ and each other in a unique way. If you lose a member of the group, you lose an opportunity to grow in a way that only that person can cause.
Lastly, we are to "maintain" the unity of the spirit. It is hard sometimes to be in good relationships all the time, even with other Christians. Keller says to first of all make Christ your cornerstone. If you go to Jesus first you will be inspired to show the true hospitality that he showed us first by giving his life for us.
Love is what life is about. Community is what life is about.
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