Blessed Sunday to Everyone
The Church Life
As we have already learned, we must share the good news of the gospel with everyone--including unbelievers whom we count as friends. But our closest friends should be chosen carefully. Our free time must be balanced with the right Christian influence, with those who can help us as we grow in the Lord and seek to do His will.
"Happy are those who reject the advice of evil men, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord, and they study it day and night" (Psalm 1:1-2).
We want to study the Bible by ourselves and with Christian friends. We also need to hear God's Word preached, "So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ" (Romans 10:17).
"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer" (Hebrews 10:25).
When believers gather together they should be supportive one of another. There is strength in unity, strength in singing and praising the Lord together.
"And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness" (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).
God has a plan whereby we can share in the financial concerns of the local body and at the same time reach out to others. Hebrews 7:2-9 gives us an example from the life of Abraham who gave one tenth (a tithe) of everything he had. Yet giving tithes may not be enough.
The Pharisees, religious leaders of their day, paid tithes, but Jesus said that our standard of giving should be far above theirs. He said they were giving a tenth even of their seasoning herbs, such as mint, dill, and cumin, but neglecting the really important teachings of the Law, such as justice and mercy and honesty (Matthew 23:23). Jesus went on to explain that we must be faithful in all that God has asked.
We want to give generously of our money and at the same time listen for whatever else the Lord wants. He may ask for more of our time, our talents--even our plans for the future. Whatever it might be, we can lay it down as an offering of love to Him who first loved us.
1 comment:
Very nice input, Sis Jacky.
May you have a blessed Sunday. :)
Post a Comment