Growing up, my parents made me go to church. It was a struggle. Every Sunday morning, every Sunday night, every Wednesday night, every church event, youth group, revival, Billy Graham Crusade, etc. Ugh! And you know what? Now that I am older, I am so thankful that they did. I learned who God was, I saw what it meant to be part of a church community (both the good and the bad), and I saw people who were good examples of how to serve as God would want us to serve. Of course, we all know that the “church” is the body of Christ, it is not a building, it is the people. It is a community, a family. As we discussed in the previous post, we are sons and daughters of God in Christ. We don’t just “go to church,” we are the church. Therefore, we need to gather together and be a part of the church.
Continue reading “Be the Church, Go to Church”Tag: body
The Trinity: The Holy Spirit
Who is the Holy Spirit and what is His purpose? Sometimes I think we don’t really think much about the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t seem to have a physical form, He doesn’t have name (at least that we call Him), but He lives inside us and guides us. What is His purpose? Who is He? The Holy Spirit is probably the hardest of the Trinity to describe.
Continue reading “The Trinity: The Holy Spirit”Divisions and Hypocrisies
This parable talks to me about divisions in the church and in the country. It also talks about hypocrisy and the “unpardonable sin.” While Jesus was removing a demon from someone, the church leaders were quick to judge and criticize (as always) and did not discern the truth. By accrediting the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil, they committed the sin that Jesus said cannot be forgiven. Again, it just wasn’t the act, it was their evil hearts. In Jesus’ answer to the church leaders’ charge, He shows that a divided house cannot stand. I believe that is true in our church, in our families, and in our country. And if we are not careful, we are heading there fast.
Continue reading “Divisions and Hypocrisies”Don’t Be a “Pew-sitter”
As we go through our series on “I am Saved…Now what to do?”, we will discuss the importance of being involved in your local church. Probably one of the first things to do after you accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life is to find a good church, one that teaches the Bible with no compromise, one that disciples new believers, one who has a community of believers to help each other grow and encourage one another, one who is a praying church. Check out their mission statement, tenets of faith and what they offer. I am a strong believer in small groups. This is where people really get to know each other as they study God’s word. I also am a strong believer that everyone has a ministry that God has appointed them to do. We all need to be an active member of our church, participating in Bible studies, small groups, Sunday school, and ministries. Seek what the Lord has called you to do. Help where help is needed. That is a good way to discover your gifts and your calling. Don’t wait for it to come to you…but also know when to say no. God will lead you. Too many people come to Sunday services and think that is enough. I call them “pew-sitters.” Getting fed through the music and sermons is great, but there is more to it than that. How do you help to “feed” others? I believe this is what God meant when He says, “I know the plans that I have for you…to give you a future and a hope.” (See Jeremiah 29:11) Continue reading “Don’t Be a “Pew-sitter””
Why Go to Church?
Why do we go to church? I saw a post on Facebook about how people don’t need to go to church every Sunday to worship God as long as they believe in God, or something like that. The statement is partially true. It is not a sin to miss church, I don’t think, but if you are able, you should be there. You need the church body and the church body needs you. It is not a ticket to heaven, either. We are saved by grace through faith, not going to church. But, being part of a church is an act of worship and it brings you into a family that will encourage you, teach you, strengthen you, pray for you. These are things to look for when finding a home along with sound biblical teaching. Also, though, we should not go there expecting to be fed all the time. As we go, we need to look for ways that we can serve the church and do all those things for others. The church is not a place. It is a people. It is you and me. It is believers. It is the body of Christ. Continue reading “Why Go to Church?”
My Daily Scriptures 