Sunday Afternoon
Just a couple of thoughts about the day so far. Sunday morning seemed to have good energy. I essentially discontinued the adult class in the morning - but then three people showed up. So we prayed together. It's funny. I would do a class for three people if they showed up consistently. Consistency though is a real challenge.
Speaking of consistency. I'm more and more convinced that our commitment to one another in a local body of Christ is one of the most important commitments we make as Christians. It is a vital aspect of not only our support and encouragement of one another but the ignored part is that it is a vital part of our witness.
So many people take it lightly. It is perhaps THE church crisis of our day. People are so busy. And there is pride in that. We love to be thought of as "in demand". But the way it translates in our church life is many many Christians, gifted people who love Jesus, cannot be bothered with any sort of serious relational commitment to the body. As a result we don't know each other deeply and have no fellowship.
A friend of mine used to say - "If you aren't part of a local body, you aren't a Christian." Think about the implications. If that statement makes you angry, take a few days to think about it. Then decide - not whether it is offensive, but ask yourself, is it true.
Speaking of consistency. I'm more and more convinced that our commitment to one another in a local body of Christ is one of the most important commitments we make as Christians. It is a vital aspect of not only our support and encouragement of one another but the ignored part is that it is a vital part of our witness.
So many people take it lightly. It is perhaps THE church crisis of our day. People are so busy. And there is pride in that. We love to be thought of as "in demand". But the way it translates in our church life is many many Christians, gifted people who love Jesus, cannot be bothered with any sort of serious relational commitment to the body. As a result we don't know each other deeply and have no fellowship.
A friend of mine used to say - "If you aren't part of a local body, you aren't a Christian." Think about the implications. If that statement makes you angry, take a few days to think about it. Then decide - not whether it is offensive, but ask yourself, is it true.
