Here is an outline transcript of the sermon from today:
I. What does it mean to love the Lord with all our mind
A. Having a worldview that is shaped by scripture—thinking Christianly, thinking biblically, thinking rightly about the world and life as we know it being evaluated through the lens of scripture
B. Guarding against wrong ways of thinking, wrong worldviews, wrong philosophies, false teaching—being able to interact mentally with philosophies that are contrary to God’s Word (cf. Acts 17)
1. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2. Colossians 2:8 – Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ
C. Thinking deeply about God—his purposes, ways, nature, character—having a biblical theology—growing deeper in our knowledge of God by being instructed and informed by scripture—it’s about loving and growing in Jesus more and more and more
1. Philippians 3:7-10 - But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
II. The exhortations in scripture to cultivate a Christian mind
A. Matthew 22:37 – greatest affection of our mind is God
B. Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things -- meditating on things that reflect the character and nature of God
C. Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect – it is the process being transformed in our minds away from the corrupted ways of thinking offered by the world and being enlightened in our understanding of God’s truth by the HS (cf. Ephesians 1:18-22)
D. 1 Peter 1:13 – preparing our minds for action
III. How can we cultivate a mind for God ready for action
A. Know, love, read, hear, memorize, examine, analyze, study, meditate on God’s Word
1. Having our minds and hearts saturated with scripture is the foundation of a Christian mind
B. Be willing to be stretched and challenged in our thinking and our theology
C. Be willing to interact with those who think differently than we do
D. Read other books that challenge our mind and deepen our understanding
E. Prayer – resting in God’s grace/relying on the Holy Spirit (cf. John 16:13)
IV. What are the results of cultivating a mind for God ready for action
A. Spiritual discernment—grow in our ability to discern truth/error, right/wrong, good/evil
1. Hebrews 5:12-14 - For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
B. A thinking faith—a mind ready to confront the ideologies and philosophies of the world with confidence in the scripture and empowered by the HS ready to give a defense of the hope that we’ve been given in Jesus having our minds prepared for action—have a biblical worldview through which we can evaluate the world system in its hostility toward God
May God use this to encourage us to think deeply about the Faith.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
IMG00088.jpg
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God is so good to me
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Friday, February 20, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Taking up a cross
I just read Henry Blackaby's devotion for today at http://www.blackaby.org.
The scripture was Luke 9:23 - If anyone desire to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Dr. Blackaby reminds us that we often want to follow Jesus, but without a cross. We insist that Jesus do all the dying.
What we fail to realize is that true life comes only as we die with Him (Romans 6).
Here is a portion of the devotional:
"Your “cross” is God’s will fo ryou, regardless of the cost. Taking up your cross is a choice; it is not beyond your control. You may have health problems or a rebellious child or financial pressures, but do not mistake these as your “cross to bear.” Neither circumstances you face nor consequences of your own actions are your cross. Your cross will be to voluntarily participate in Christ’s sufferings as He carries out His redemptive purposes_(Phil. 3:10). Paul said he rejoiced in his sufferings because he knew that by them he was able to participate in the suffering required to bring others into Christian maturity (Col. 1:24)."
What cross are you bearing for the glory of Jesus? Have you taken up your cross in the power of the Holy Spirit?
The scripture was Luke 9:23 - If anyone desire to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Dr. Blackaby reminds us that we often want to follow Jesus, but without a cross. We insist that Jesus do all the dying.
What we fail to realize is that true life comes only as we die with Him (Romans 6).
Here is a portion of the devotional:
"Your “cross” is God’s will fo ryou, regardless of the cost. Taking up your cross is a choice; it is not beyond your control. You may have health problems or a rebellious child or financial pressures, but do not mistake these as your “cross to bear.” Neither circumstances you face nor consequences of your own actions are your cross. Your cross will be to voluntarily participate in Christ’s sufferings as He carries out His redemptive purposes_(Phil. 3:10). Paul said he rejoiced in his sufferings because he knew that by them he was able to participate in the suffering required to bring others into Christian maturity (Col. 1:24)."
What cross are you bearing for the glory of Jesus? Have you taken up your cross in the power of the Holy Spirit?
To Vent for a Moment
This morning on the CBS Early Show, they shared a remarkable story about a young lady who was abused terribly as a young child. However, overcoming the odds, this young lady became a confident young woman. A great story!
Then...they do a stupid, frivolous, superficial story on how to make sure your hair is red carpet ready! How insane.
Just though I'd vent.
Then...they do a stupid, frivolous, superficial story on how to make sure your hair is red carpet ready! How insane.
Just though I'd vent.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
NC State Evangelism Conference
It was a joy to attend the NC Baptist State Evangelism Conference hosted at SEBTS this year.
It was a time of refreshing preaching to help re-kindle a vision for the nations to come to saving faith in Jesus--one that we could take back to the local churches where we serve.
There was so much good at the conference...I would encourage you to download the messages from the website.
The Lord showed me much from my own life that needed to be adjusted back toward a missional understanding of the church and my family.
May God keep the "vision" fresh for the nations in my heart.
It was a time of refreshing preaching to help re-kindle a vision for the nations to come to saving faith in Jesus--one that we could take back to the local churches where we serve.
There was so much good at the conference...I would encourage you to download the messages from the website.
The Lord showed me much from my own life that needed to be adjusted back toward a missional understanding of the church and my family.
May God keep the "vision" fresh for the nations in my heart.
Shout Out
Shout back at you, Brian.
It was indeed a pleasure to have you guys worship with us and hang out afterward.
I am so stoked about what God is doing with you and your family.
Brian, his wife, Kristen, and their three children Cameron, Hannah, and Corbin will be going to Africa in April to work among children and youth for the sake of the gospel.
You can check them out at http://grootfontein.blogspot.com.
It was such a blessing to get back in touch with him, and meet his delightful family.
God speed to you my brother!
It was indeed a pleasure to have you guys worship with us and hang out afterward.
I am so stoked about what God is doing with you and your family.
Brian, his wife, Kristen, and their three children Cameron, Hannah, and Corbin will be going to Africa in April to work among children and youth for the sake of the gospel.
You can check them out at http://grootfontein.blogspot.com.
It was such a blessing to get back in touch with him, and meet his delightful family.
God speed to you my brother!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Talking About Money
No body likes to talk about it, especially at church. However, it is part of the stewardship that Jesus has given to us.
The following are the big ideas from today's teaching and the questions we can use to evaluate our use of money for the kingdom of God...
1.Everything we are and have been given is a gift from God and for God—including money.
2.Honoring God with the best of what we have been given.
3.Investing money wisely from a kingdom perspective is a reflection of our understanding and application of reality #1 and #2
a. Local Church
b. Community Missions
c. Missionaries/Church planting
d. Laying up treasures in heaven
4. Don't worship money or pursue riches
Now the questions...
1.Does our use of money reveal an unhealthy attachment to this world and the things of this world instead of the priority of the kingdom of God? (1 John 2:15-17)
2.Does our use of money reveal a heart that seeks first the kingdom of God or are we pursuing after the things the Gentiles seek? (Matthew 6:25-34)
3.How does our use of money reflect our citizenship in another kingdom? (Philippians 3:19-20)
4.How does our use of money reflect our desire to seek the city that is above? (Hebrews 13:14)
5.Does our use of money demonstrate extravagant love to Jesus? (John 12:3)
May God use these principles to call us to more faithful stewardship in loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength with respect to money.
The following are the big ideas from today's teaching and the questions we can use to evaluate our use of money for the kingdom of God...
1.Everything we are and have been given is a gift from God and for God—including money.
2.Honoring God with the best of what we have been given.
3.Investing money wisely from a kingdom perspective is a reflection of our understanding and application of reality #1 and #2
a. Local Church
b. Community Missions
c. Missionaries/Church planting
d. Laying up treasures in heaven
4. Don't worship money or pursue riches
Now the questions...
1.Does our use of money reveal an unhealthy attachment to this world and the things of this world instead of the priority of the kingdom of God? (1 John 2:15-17)
2.Does our use of money reveal a heart that seeks first the kingdom of God or are we pursuing after the things the Gentiles seek? (Matthew 6:25-34)
3.How does our use of money reflect our citizenship in another kingdom? (Philippians 3:19-20)
4.How does our use of money reflect our desire to seek the city that is above? (Hebrews 13:14)
5.Does our use of money demonstrate extravagant love to Jesus? (John 12:3)
May God use these principles to call us to more faithful stewardship in loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength with respect to money.
Spiritual Gifts
Here are some points from the sermon last week on spiritual gifts...
The following are major passages on spiritual gifts:
1) 1 Peter 4:7-11
2) 1 Corinthians 12-14
3) Romans 12:1-8
4) Ephesians 4:1-16
Here is part of the sermon manuscript:
What are spiritual gifts?
They are not…
• Natural talents (sports, speaking, a learned skill) - God gives natural talents to be incorporated into the exercising of one’s spiritual gift
• Personality traits (good listener)
• The Fruit of the Spirit
They are…
• Dr. Aiken – “a supernatural enablement or ability given at conversion by God that equips the recipient to perform a spiritual function or assignment with efficiency and ease that strengthens the church, the body of Christ”
• John MacArthur – “a God-given capacity through which the Holy Spirit supernaturally ministers to the body. Your spiritual gift is a unique capacity to minister to the body of Christ through the channel of the Spirit of God, who supernaturally touches the lives of other people.”
Where did they come from and to whom were they given?
Spiritual gifts come from…
• God’s grace – 1 Peter 4:10 – “as each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”
• God’s Son – Ephesians 4:7-8 – “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, He says: ‘When He ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men”
• God’s Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:11 – “But one and the same Spirit works all these things distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
Spiritual gifts are given…
• To all Christians at the moment of conversion
For what purpose were spiritual gifts given?
Spiritual gifts were given for…
• The Glory of God…
o 1 Peter 4:11 – “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen”
• The Edification of the Church…
o 1 Peter 4:10 – “as each one has received a gift, minister it to one another”
o Ephesians 4:16 – “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love”
• The Work of Ministry…
o Ephesians 4:12 – “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry”
• The Maturing of the body…
o Ephesians 4:13-15 - until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
How should spiritual gifts be exercised?
Spiritual gifts should be exercised…
• With faithfulness – 1 Peter 4:10 – “minister to one another as good stewards”
• With the ability (strength) God supplies – 1 Peter 4:11
• With humility – Romans 12:3 – “for I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith”
• In their God-given functional role – 1 Corinthians 12:18 – “but now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased”
o Organization of the body for service – “Organizing around the gifts of the people will allow the church to focus on ministry, not maintenance”
• In love – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Summary – Dr. Black – “Different Christians will have different functions in the body, or course, but it is the duty of every Christian to serve every other Christian in love and humility. Let us then work, and work hard, and work together, not to advance ourselves or our denominations or our paltry kingdoms, but to advance Christ upside down kingdom…”
May the Lord use this to build you up in service for his kingdom.
The following are major passages on spiritual gifts:
1) 1 Peter 4:7-11
2) 1 Corinthians 12-14
3) Romans 12:1-8
4) Ephesians 4:1-16
Here is part of the sermon manuscript:
What are spiritual gifts?
They are not…
• Natural talents (sports, speaking, a learned skill) - God gives natural talents to be incorporated into the exercising of one’s spiritual gift
• Personality traits (good listener)
• The Fruit of the Spirit
They are…
• Dr. Aiken – “a supernatural enablement or ability given at conversion by God that equips the recipient to perform a spiritual function or assignment with efficiency and ease that strengthens the church, the body of Christ”
• John MacArthur – “a God-given capacity through which the Holy Spirit supernaturally ministers to the body. Your spiritual gift is a unique capacity to minister to the body of Christ through the channel of the Spirit of God, who supernaturally touches the lives of other people.”
Where did they come from and to whom were they given?
Spiritual gifts come from…
• God’s grace – 1 Peter 4:10 – “as each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”
• God’s Son – Ephesians 4:7-8 – “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, He says: ‘When He ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men”
• God’s Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:11 – “But one and the same Spirit works all these things distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
Spiritual gifts are given…
• To all Christians at the moment of conversion
For what purpose were spiritual gifts given?
Spiritual gifts were given for…
• The Glory of God…
o 1 Peter 4:11 – “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen”
• The Edification of the Church…
o 1 Peter 4:10 – “as each one has received a gift, minister it to one another”
o Ephesians 4:16 – “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love”
• The Work of Ministry…
o Ephesians 4:12 – “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry”
• The Maturing of the body…
o Ephesians 4:13-15 - until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
How should spiritual gifts be exercised?
Spiritual gifts should be exercised…
• With faithfulness – 1 Peter 4:10 – “minister to one another as good stewards”
• With the ability (strength) God supplies – 1 Peter 4:11
• With humility – Romans 12:3 – “for I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith”
• In their God-given functional role – 1 Corinthians 12:18 – “but now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased”
o Organization of the body for service – “Organizing around the gifts of the people will allow the church to focus on ministry, not maintenance”
• In love – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Summary – Dr. Black – “Different Christians will have different functions in the body, or course, but it is the duty of every Christian to serve every other Christian in love and humility. Let us then work, and work hard, and work together, not to advance ourselves or our denominations or our paltry kingdoms, but to advance Christ upside down kingdom…”
May the Lord use this to build you up in service for his kingdom.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Every Member a Minister
Today's message will be on the subject of spiritual gifts. All spiritual gifts, I believe, are of "equal importance" for the church to function properly in her context.
Though there are "special" qualifications for "offices" (elders, deacons - 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1) within the church, these offices should not be viewed as representing those who have a more important "status" among the congregation. The qualifications are given, not to set up a false division within the church, but to accentuate the "responsibility" given to those "gifted" to serve in these capacities to care for the body of Christ.
Every member is a minister (servant). The exercising of "all" spiritual gifts is necessary for the building up of the body for the work of the ministry.
I hope to post parts of the message later today.
God bless.
Though there are "special" qualifications for "offices" (elders, deacons - 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1) within the church, these offices should not be viewed as representing those who have a more important "status" among the congregation. The qualifications are given, not to set up a false division within the church, but to accentuate the "responsibility" given to those "gifted" to serve in these capacities to care for the body of Christ.
Every member is a minister (servant). The exercising of "all" spiritual gifts is necessary for the building up of the body for the work of the ministry.
I hope to post parts of the message later today.
God bless.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Unbiblical division between "clergy" and "laity"
God has been teaching me and convicting me much over the last month about this reality in the local church where I serve and churches in general.
As I am reading about this and studying and questioning, it is becoming more apparent to me that the division of "professional" ministers and "unprofessional" laity is a detriment in local churches--particularly in smaller, rural congregations.
The unintended consequences, and I believe they are unintentional in most cases even though they have become the norm, of this division has bred a generation of church members in our pews who are spectators making sure "the pastor" is doing his job.
Granted, not everyone sitting in the pew has this mindset--that I will readily admit. However, we cannot pretend like it doesn't exist either among many church members.
Some of this mindset has been perpetrated (strong word, I know) by men in my generation who I went to seminary with who came out of seminary with the attitude "I'm the pastor" and the attitude of "me vs. the congregation."
Friends, some of this is our fault as "pastors", because we "think" we know how to "run" a church and we have a "seminary" degree. God forgive us.
It is my prayer that this will change. That we, as those called by the church certainly, would serve in these positions with and among the members while immersing ourselves in the life of the body not serving above and over and in competition.
I know that with the current mindset of many people in churches, the one serving as "pastor" will always be an "outsider"; however, it ought to be our goal as pastor/teachers to seek ways to eliminate that division as much as possible for the glory of Jesus Christ and his mission moving in the direction of a more biblical understanding and practice of leadership within the church.
May God grant us wisdom and discernment in knowing how to proceed to become more biblical and less traditionalistic for His glory alone.
As I am reading about this and studying and questioning, it is becoming more apparent to me that the division of "professional" ministers and "unprofessional" laity is a detriment in local churches--particularly in smaller, rural congregations.
The unintended consequences, and I believe they are unintentional in most cases even though they have become the norm, of this division has bred a generation of church members in our pews who are spectators making sure "the pastor" is doing his job.
Granted, not everyone sitting in the pew has this mindset--that I will readily admit. However, we cannot pretend like it doesn't exist either among many church members.
Some of this mindset has been perpetrated (strong word, I know) by men in my generation who I went to seminary with who came out of seminary with the attitude "I'm the pastor" and the attitude of "me vs. the congregation."
Friends, some of this is our fault as "pastors", because we "think" we know how to "run" a church and we have a "seminary" degree. God forgive us.
It is my prayer that this will change. That we, as those called by the church certainly, would serve in these positions with and among the members while immersing ourselves in the life of the body not serving above and over and in competition.
I know that with the current mindset of many people in churches, the one serving as "pastor" will always be an "outsider"; however, it ought to be our goal as pastor/teachers to seek ways to eliminate that division as much as possible for the glory of Jesus Christ and his mission moving in the direction of a more biblical understanding and practice of leadership within the church.
May God grant us wisdom and discernment in knowing how to proceed to become more biblical and less traditionalistic for His glory alone.
Going through the Fire
I heard the verse referenced a few weeks ago, and the Lord brought it to my attention again this morning during my bible reading in the minor prophets.
Zechariah 13:9 - I will bring the one third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, This is my people; and each one will say, The Lord is my God.
The grand promise is that God will test us and refine us to burn off the dross and the impurities in our faith. The one who is doing the refining is the one who is control of the process and the temperature of the heat. Therefore, God promises to bring us through the fire--"I will bring the one third through the fire".
Malachi reinforces this truth-3:3-He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; he will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold or silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering of righteousness.
In the fire you are going through, what is God seeking to "burn out" of your life and mine? In what ways is God "rounding off the edges" that we may be more like Jesus?
Zechariah 13:9 - I will bring the one third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, This is my people; and each one will say, The Lord is my God.
The grand promise is that God will test us and refine us to burn off the dross and the impurities in our faith. The one who is doing the refining is the one who is control of the process and the temperature of the heat. Therefore, God promises to bring us through the fire--"I will bring the one third through the fire".
Malachi reinforces this truth-3:3-He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; he will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold or silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering of righteousness.
In the fire you are going through, what is God seeking to "burn out" of your life and mine? In what ways is God "rounding off the edges" that we may be more like Jesus?
Monday, February 2, 2009
Times Achangin'
Here are some resolutions by Jonathan Edwards concerning counting our days taken from John Piper's book Don't Waste Your Life...
Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
How are we making our days count for the glory of God and the mission of Jesus?
Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
How are we making our days count for the glory of God and the mission of Jesus?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Getting Ready
I thought about how much we get ourselves ready "physically" to meet with God's people this morning. We spend time brushing our hair (if we have any), we make sure the ties are straight, the pants and shirts are ironed, the make up is on just right (for the ladies), the children are dressed in cute clothes...
I wonder if we prepare ourselves "spiritually" with as much time and energy and focus?
My first thought...I doubt it.
Meeting with God's people is such a gracious aspect of the work of God's redemption. He saves us and places us into a local community of believers for mutual fellowship and accountability and love and service.
Yet, our coming together to worship God collectively and serve one another in love seems to be a "second thought" instead of a first thought in our preparation.
Have we stopped to pray for the bible study classes...what about the teachers for those precious children...what about the children and youth...what about the worship service...what about asking the Holy Spirit to move among us for His glory...what about the leadership that God has placed among us?
Have we stopped to pray for ourselves and how God would us to serve others today through love?
Have we sought to confess and repent of any sins that might grieve the work of the Spirit among the body?
How are we getting ready today?
I wonder if we prepare ourselves "spiritually" with as much time and energy and focus?
My first thought...I doubt it.
Meeting with God's people is such a gracious aspect of the work of God's redemption. He saves us and places us into a local community of believers for mutual fellowship and accountability and love and service.
Yet, our coming together to worship God collectively and serve one another in love seems to be a "second thought" instead of a first thought in our preparation.
Have we stopped to pray for the bible study classes...what about the teachers for those precious children...what about the children and youth...what about the worship service...what about asking the Holy Spirit to move among us for His glory...what about the leadership that God has placed among us?
Have we stopped to pray for ourselves and how God would us to serve others today through love?
Have we sought to confess and repent of any sins that might grieve the work of the Spirit among the body?
How are we getting ready today?
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