Karen Girl Friday- Maybe we have tribes at work, in a bookclub, or with a specific hobby. But there's nothing like a tribe of other believers in the local church. (Google image, The Local Church)
(Continued from my previous post: Passion For the Local Church, 1-28)
(29.) Small groups or life groups.
(30.) Children’s ministries.
(31.) Ministries for men.
(32.) Women’s ministries.
(33.) Bible studies.
(34.) Student programs.
(35.) Trips, retreats, and conferences.
(36.) Fun fellowships. Even fabulous food like home cooking—need I say more.
(37.) Freedom to praise God and talk about Him.
(38.) A place to seek truth. (John 4:24, 17:17)
(39.) Answers for life’s questions.
(40.) Hope for a hopeless world. (Colossians 1:27)
(41.) To carry each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)
(42.) The privilege and blessing to join a ministry team. Examples from our church, Believers Church: outreach, shock and awe (prepare the environment in lighting, technology and security), children, prayer & care, WOW (making people feel like they’re right at home in our church), follow up (reaching out to visitors), life group, missions, and worship.
Reasons to Connect With a Local Church
(43.) Christian love. We’re not perfect (only Jesus), but we strive to love with the same love God extends to us. (1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 4:11)
(44.) Shepherding and teaching from pastors, and spiritual leadership from church staff. (Hebrews 13:7, Ephesians 4:11-14)
(45.) Meeting each other’s needs in a practical way. Meals, house-cleaning, and childcare during illness, surgery, and so on.
(46.) Encouragement on our walk with Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Colossians 3:16)
(47.) Gentle nudges to get back on track with God. (Galatians 6:1, Jeremiah 24:7)
(48.) Forgiveness and mercy when we mess up because we all serve a God of second chances and countless chances.
(49.) Spiritual accountability on the things of God. (Proverbs 27:17, Romans 14:12, Hebrews 13:17)
(50.) Refuge from the world’s opinions, injustices, and persecution.
(51.) Spending time with people on earth who we’ll spend eternity with.
(52.) God’s presence is with us. (Matthew 18:20)
Passion for the Local Church
(Italics added)
Let's pray-
Father, we may have tribes at work, in a bookclub, or with a specific hobby, but there's nothing like being in a "tribe" of other believers in our local church!
Impress on our hearts, Lord, the great blessing we yet have here in America! We ask for Your help in being faithful to honor You and all You've done for us, by finding a church body to become a part of.
In Christ's name we ask. Amen
We can learn to share and love with the same love God extends to us. The teaching from pastors and spiritual leadership from the church staff through sermons, classes, and in small groups, will encourage us on our walk with Christ.
We have opportunities to meet each other's needs in practical ways, such as helping with meals, cleaning and childcare during times of illness or surgery.
We can spend time with the people who'll spend eternity with us, learning so much about the One who died for us, rose again, and is now presently with us by His Spirit.
As believers, we cause ourselves a great loss if we don't prayerfully find a local Bible-believing church to attend. God will lead us to one, for sure.(Even if we have a ways to go.)
We can check the internet to view churches in our area, to find one that we believe will benefit our going there. We may need to go to more than one church, if necessary, until we feel "at home" in one.
May we consider it a blessing to attend such a church in our country, as there are millions around the world who would love to embrace such a freedom. Many of whom are dying (literally) to have the opportunity to worship Christ without interference and threat of their lives.Impress on our hearts, Lord, the great blessing we yet have here in America! We ask for Your help in being faithful to honor You and all You've done for us, by finding a church body to become a part of.
In Christ's name we ask. Amen
131 - 135 of 200 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more this week-
131- John 16:24 "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
131- John 16:24 "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
132- Ps. 32:7 "Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah."
133- Ps. 18:46 "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted."
134- Ps. 62:7 "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."
135- Ps. 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry."
Words of wisdom-
~ In this age of self-help, we can find books that offer help to improve ourselves. God offers help through having confidence that we are complete in His Presence. All we need can be found in Him.
~ God has a Master plan. He will fulfill it! His plan for us takes a lifetime to accomplish. We don't really have a clue what He's planning to happen because of our living.
~ God has a Master plan. He will fulfill it! His plan for us takes a lifetime to accomplish. We don't really have a clue what He's planning to happen because of our living.
Today's popular posts-
Dr. Wesley L. Duewel: 1. Thank God for the church. It is Christ's great treasure, His precious, beloved bride. It is His constant joy. He eagerly waits for the time when His bride will be complete and He can come to receive her to Himself (Eph. 5:25-26).
The Value of Church Membership
the value of Church Membership?
Many people have no idea what Christ's
thoughts were about it.
What does the Bible tell us about this subject?
A Biblical Reason: Christ committed to the church.
Click here to learn what the Bible tells us about resolving conflict in marriage.
List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam NY church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!
Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)
Helpful ways the Lord helped me in my marriage
Upcoming posts-
#17 Loving the Brethren
26th- Tuesday's post by Andrew Murray#18 Proclaiming the Way of Life
28th- Thursday's post by Andrew Murray
Another Chance
30th- Saturday's post by Patricia Raybon
#19 Answering Our Call
12/3- Tuesday's post by Andrew Murray
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| Choosing plants for a colorful garden |
So true.
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