The rhythm of generosity comes from both giving and receiving. There is no shame in being in need, no shame in receiving gifts that have been generously and lovingly given. If you, as a valued part of the body of Christ are in need, reach out. And to those of you, in the body of Christ, who have much, give generously to those in need.
In summary, without grace we are not the church.
It is as nonsensical as a book club that doesn’t read or a band without instruments. A church community that exemplifies grace is one that prioritizes the need for confession and forgiveness, just as Jesus called His followers to display.
Paul was absolutely making a sacrifice, and I would consider his act of driving across the country with me pretty grand, but what made the most lasting impression on me was that his decision to help was not much of a decision at all. It wasn’t second nature to him, it was first! In this way, he demonstrated the love of Jesus.
While having a daily time of prayer is certainly not a bad thing, it is important to remember, like in any relationship, that our line of communication with God must always be open. To restrict the time in which we speak with our King to a strict schedule is to reduce our relationship with them from a personal and intimate friendship to a robotic correspondence, dictated by an arbitrary routine.
Have I become so accustomed to life here on Earth that life after the return of the Christ, where pain and striving will cease and the perfection of the Garden of Eden will return, has simply become a part of my theology, rather than a future reality on which I can depend? Have I placed the temporary amusement found in a movie above the everlasting peace of life in the presence of God? I’d like to say “no,” but I don’t think that would be the most truthful of responses.
To proclaim to the world that being a part of the church body, and not simply checking the box of attending a service, is so much more than a Band-Aid; it is a source of true life itself.
What is left, then, is a choice: do I curse my circumstances, and, like Jonah after his plan for Nineveh to be destroyed was disrupted, refuse to change? Or do I evaluate what this new phase has brought, and attempt to roll with the punches?
It’s an interesting time in the world right now, to say the least. Stock markets are fluctuating, stores are empty, and schools are closing. The control that I seek over my life seems to be slipping from my fingers at an alarming rate.
ROOTED is a 10-week small group experience that will CONNECT you with others, help you EXPERIENCE God in new ways, and give you the opportunity to GROW in your relationship with Jesus, you can learn more about this meeting at www.worldmeeting2015.org. Childcare is provided. Cost is $35.00 per person (includes study book, childcare, refreshments, and...
Building Together: Our Offering Pastor Steve Valdez 5/27/18 This week, Harvest’s youth pastor Steve shared a message with us about the important place that every single member of the church has in the effort to “build the tabernacle.” That is, that the task of contributing to the church has been given to all, not simply the...
