I think I've waited a really, really long time for this article. It's a long time after writing that it will be published and I really don't know where it will go, to be honest. I just know that at some point it becomes very important to really talk about the church.
I have heard sermons about it. Surprisingly, more than I could think of. More than I could count. There are songs about it, we added one to the playlist we started building in September. My youth pastor made this a quick pre-worship message for our teens. I could tell you about my experience with the church since my childhood. But I would like to study a church of the Bible. She is quite "famous". It is normal, one could say that it is the first of a long series, of a large number. It is the "primitive" church. The one we are told about in the book of Acts. I believe this church is essential. The one who has no interest in movements and theories, but who preaches the truth of a God who loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. The church that proclaims the death and resurrection of this Son, Jesus Christ. The church that recognizes that we are sinners and need a Saviour. The church that calls to follow God in His commandments. Acts 2 tells us that each day the Lord added those who were saved to the church. And we're not talking about two or three people. We are talking about Peter, the same one who denied Jesus, who announced the truth of Jesus dead and risen to a large number of people, among whom about 3000 were converted. I am talking about the church that has chosen to forget its needs and take care of its members, selling its goods and sharing the products among all as needed. A church that neglects what it believes is necessary to put God, its King and Lord, first, as Acts 2:44 shows us. A church that behaves like a family. Who takes care of each other. Sorry for the bad news, but I believe that, at some point, this church is gone. It is probably very difficult to find a gathering of people who would sacrifice themselves for you. In addition, I have not yet spoken of one of the essential elements of the Christian life, but I will come to it in a few lines. Coming back to what I was saying, don't expect to walk into a church and find yourself facing the situation I described. The disagreements started in the generation that saw the risen Christ. So it is unfortunately not tomorrow that everyone will be able to agree absolutely. The church must stand in prayer to know God more. Do you know many Christians who pray consistently every day? I'm not accusing anyone! I have a hard time doing it on a regular and consistent basis. But the work of the church is to edify and encourage itself in the most difficult habits of the Christian life. I told you, nothing very easy there ... And less and less common. So why encourage yourself to join a church? I could, and probably should, explain this to you. We will see if the Lord allows me. But I would like to answer you simply. The church is supposed to be the people of God. The people He chose to spend eternity with Him. And according to the letters present in the New Testament, its place, its role is to encourage in times of difficulty, and to correct you when you are wrong. Despite all the will of the world, our ears can choose to remain deaf to the Holy Spirit. And when that happens, God can choose to speak to a brother or sister to touch you. My youth pastor once described the Church of Acts as a church that shares a word, takes time in praise, and prays for its members. The one who encourages in times of difficulty. And this is what we must aspire to experience. And that's the pattern the Bible shows us. Walk in truth, correction and sanctification. Ready for the adventure? If you don't have a church yet, I strongly advise you to look for one that you can join to help you in your walk. The condition is that she seeks the truth of the Word as a priority. If you have a church, find out what you can do, along with The Father, to help it grow according to His will. Be blessed, Do
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To all of you who have grown up in the church, can you identify with this? Since I was very young, one aspiration I had was to serve in church. I guess you can understand it: these adults who serve and inspire you are all around you. Being very young, I spent almost half of my evenings at church because my mother played there an instrument of praise to accompany the times of songs. On Sunday mornings I saw these adults who were teaching us so passionately about the Bible in Sunday school. Not to mention those who sang so wonderfully in the "service of adults" to lead the worship and those musicians so skilled and talented ... I dreamed of inspiring children like me the way these adults did for me.
In short, for me to serve in the church in the eyes of all was a goal. I wanted from the bottom of my heart to become like them. They were so "perfect" to me. And then life moved on, and these people who were role models have become adults who repeat themselves in their stupidities and in their myths. Serving always seemed so attractive, because I wanted people around me to see me, to recognize that I had talents, abilities. And finally, Jesus entered my life. He came to turn everything upside down. And to be honest? It didn't take two months for my whole concept of service to change again. I no longer wanted to be seen, to be recognized for my work, even if sometimes a thank you was good, I just learned to give of myself without expecting anything in return. It was then that I began to serve in church. And everything I've done so far has given me so much. So what happened? Why did I decide to let go of all my thought patterns to humiliate myself? At the time, when I was 13 or 14, I don't think I had a clue. But here is what I have learned and which has marked me to this day. The Bible says we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). The report ? Serving God is a sacrifice. Giving my life to Him is a sacrifice. And Jesus sacrificed himself because He loved us. That's all He could give us, and He gave it to us to give us eternal life. The rest, the blessings of everyday life, I would like to say that is a bonus. Of course, it strengthens our faith, allows us to bear a greater witness, but what matters most is what happens after we step through the door that leads us to eternity. So, sometimes I lost my direction. And here is what a friend said to me "your reward, you will have it in the sky". And it marked me! I serve God because I love Him, I serve in His church, I serve His people because I love them and because I have chosen to give my life to Him. In addition, it allows me to testify. Who would dare to do something for no reason to do it? My reason is to serve the One who changed my life. Basically, if you think about it, I might decide to just tell the world that I have faith. And James 2:26 tells me that "... faith without works is dead." So so I prove that I have faith. Let me ask you: do you think you are serving God in your life? If so, what is the reason you are serving? If not, have you ever thought about doing it? Here is my advice for this week: remember why serving God is important, find out why you are serving. And remember: - I serve because Jesus became a servant - I serve because I believe in God who offers me eternal life through my faith in the sacrifice of Jesus - I serve because I want to bear witness to my faith - I serve because I love God and his people Comments or questions on this? Do not hesitate to let us know in comments or by email! Be blessed, and we'll talk to you in two weeks! Do |
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November 2021
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