Karen Girl Friday- So here are [the first 28] my 52 passionate reasons to connect with a local church. I share Scripture references for some of my list.
(1.) God commands us to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8) (Karen's picture)
(2.) The Bible tells us not to forsake gathering together with other believers. (Hebrews 10:25)
(3.) We were never meant to do life alone. (Acts 20:7)
(4.) There’s just something powerful about the corporate worship of a Holy God. (Psalm 34:3)
(5.) It creates community in our lives.
(6.) Connects us with other Christian wives, moms, dads, students, and so on.
(7.) The preaching of God’s Word.
(8.) Equipping for service in the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
(9.) Serving in the local church and in God’s Kingdom. (Galatians 6:10, Matthew 23:11)
(10.) Using our spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12)
(11.) Fulfilling the great commission as one body. (Matthew 28:16-20)
(12.) Mission work locally and globally. (James 1:27, Matthew 25:34-40)
(13.) Vision and resources to reach people with God’s love.
Connecting With a Local Church
The local church is a sacred institution set apart for God and His people. Because the church is not just a building or meeting place, but literally the people of God . . . the body of Christ.
(14.) Helping spread the gospel message of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 52:7)
(15.) Raising up the next generation to carry on the church.
(16.) Modeling the importance of church to our kids and family.
(17.) Making friends and building relationships. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
(18.) Growing our faith.
(19.) Maturing as a Christian. (1 Timothy 4:8)
(20.) Walking alongside each other during tragedy and celebration: funerals, weddings, and births.
(21.) Praying for each other.
(22.) Strengthens our marriage, family, and existing relationships.
(23.) Provides Christian mentors for men and women on Christian living from a biblical perspective. (Titus 2)
(24.) Discipleship as modeled by Jesus. (Matthew 4:19-20)
(25.) A place to belong.
(26.) Like-minded tribe. 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.
(27.) Biblical counseling. (Proverbs 11:14)
(28.) A church family. Our spiritual brothers and sisters in God’s family. (1 Peter 2:9-10)
[The rest 24 reasons for a passion for the Local Church, will be posted on Saturday, 11/23rd in, "Benefits of the Local Church"].
Let's pray-
Father, You've stated in Your Word that we're not to forsake gathering together with other believers for good reason; we're not meant to do life alone.
The corporate worship of believers creates community in our lives.We connect with other Christian wives, moms, dads, and students.
The corporate worship of believers creates community in our lives.We connect with other Christian wives, moms, dads, and students.
This is a place for the preaching of Your Word and causing Your people to be equipped for service in the local body of Christ. We can serve You in Your Kingdom's advancement there.
We can participate in local and global missions and gain vision for reaching out to people with God's love. It's Your sacred institution You've set apart for a meeting place for the body of Christ's believers, whether in small or large groups.
As we model the importance of church attendance to our kids and family, we are raising up the next generation to carry on and spread the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
We find that our faith grows through attending our churches, and we mature as Christians as we walk alongside others during tragedy and celebration, funerals, weddings and births.
We develop a stronger faith through praying for one another; our marriages are strengthened, as well as our existing relationships. Mentors can provide guidance for men and women on Christian living from a biblical perspective.
We'll learn about discipleship as modeled by Jesus, and find a place to belong with like-minded folks. There's nothing like a tribe of sincere believers in the local church!
We ask for help in getting established with a local church that proclaims Christ's message clearly and powerfully, so as to grow in our faith and dedication to Him.
In His name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 10:24-25, (NIV). "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
We can participate in local and global missions and gain vision for reaching out to people with God's love. It's Your sacred institution You've set apart for a meeting place for the body of Christ's believers, whether in small or large groups.
As we model the importance of church attendance to our kids and family, we are raising up the next generation to carry on and spread the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
We find that our faith grows through attending our churches, and we mature as Christians as we walk alongside others during tragedy and celebration, funerals, weddings and births.
We develop a stronger faith through praying for one another; our marriages are strengthened, as well as our existing relationships. Mentors can provide guidance for men and women on Christian living from a biblical perspective.
We'll learn about discipleship as modeled by Jesus, and find a place to belong with like-minded folks. There's nothing like a tribe of sincere believers in the local church!
We ask for help in getting established with a local church that proclaims Christ's message clearly and powerfully, so as to grow in our faith and dedication to Him.
In His name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 10:24-25, (NIV). "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
“In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” (Eph. 6:18 MSG)
116 - 120 of 200 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more this week-
116- Lam. 3:40 "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD."
116- Lam. 3:40 "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD."
117- Prov. 5:21 "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings."
118- Phil. 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
119- Ps. 84:12 "O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee."
120- Ps. 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
Today's quotes-
~ Amy Peterson- "The Bible doesn't just tell us about our need for connection. It also tells us where to find relationships: among Jesus's followers. Jesus, at His death, told His friend John to consider Christ's mother as his own. They would be family to each other even after Jesus was gone (John 19:26-27). And Paul instructed believers to treat others like parents and sibling (1 Tim. 5:1-2). The psalmist tells us that part of God's redemptive work in the world is to put 'the lonely in families' (Ps. 68:6). and God designed the church as one of the best places to do this. Thanks be to God, who has made us for relationship and given us his people to be our family!"
~ Dawn Wilson- "Never assume retirement from one’s lifework means retirement from spiritual growth. Getting older gives us the freedom to pursue God more and become an influencer in His kingdom. The latter years of a person’s life are the time to stretch spiritually and expand ministry!"Words of wisdom-
~ When we attend church, we may cover up with Sunday clothes and Sunday smiles and feel relief when we leave, because of false fellowship. Our best antidote to that, is practicing Christ's Presence while there. Our smiles will then convey our love for them and the Lord.
~ May we feel the Light of Christ's Presence upon us, as we open our hearts to receive His smile of approval. Joy is ours when we become intertwined with Him. He in us, and we in him.
Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)
Prayer for salvation
Helpful ways the Lord helped me in my marriage
Upcoming posts-
#11 The Spirit of Wisdom
#12 Obtaining the Power
7th- Thursday's post by Andrew Murray
Pursue Your Calling
9th- Saturday's post by Mary Southerland
#13 Reigning In Him
12th- Tuesday's post by Andrew Murray
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