Friday, November 29, 2013 “…brings forth out of his treasure things both old and new” –Matthew 12:35 Good Morning Heavenly Father, Family & Friends!! (*) Yesterday’s Discovered Treasure for Today: Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matthew 16:17-19 NLT). “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all” (Acts 2:41 NLT). (*) Today’s Application: This business of the importance of “church” always produces an interesting conversation. Like myself, some live for the church doors to open and rarely miss a service. Still others hardly ever attend, but still contend they believe in God and Jesus. They have found their experience of church, for various reasons, disheartening. The admonishing of Scripture found in Hebrews 10:25 always comes to my mind when I hear folk absenting themselves from church, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his [Christ’s] return is drawing near” (NLT). Let’s see if we can find a treasure of truth in asking the question this morning, “What should a person look for when looking for a church home?” Should it be its “yellow pages” ad, or its size, or its status in the community that would correctly help us decide? Or do we just settle for the “family denomination” or the church closest to where one lives? Certainly there are many questions to consider and all of them have their valid concerns that merit a person’s attention. Here is a list of things I would consider important: Does it accept the Bible as the totally inspired Word of God as its final authority on doctrine and practice, strive to be as much like the New Testament Church as possible, “contending for the faith that was once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) and does it exalt the Lord Jesus Christ in worship and His Word? Can the integrity, character, leadership skills, and good judgment of the Pastor be followed as an example of trusted leadership? What assistance is given by this church to help strengthen ones marriage and family? If children are truly a top priority, what kind of children’s programs and youth ministries exist at this church to help children grow spiritually and become more like Christ? Looking at a person and family as being made up of spirit, soul and body, the church should carry with it the same concern for all three, as each of us should carry ourselves. Let’s discover together, the good of attending church with other families and friends, as we build a strong spiritual base taught us from our home church. 0;-)
Posted on: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 13:26:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015