Monday, September 5, 2011
LABOR DAY
Hebrews 10:25
Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, as some do, but encourage each other to go; the more so as you see the Day drawing near. (Jerusalem Bible).
DO NOT STAY HOME FROM THE MEETINGS OF THE COMMUNITY
I am drawn to these words, as I see many Churches and Church groups getting smaller and smaller. Some say that they have to "market" the Church differently these days; some say that the programs need to be more worldly to draw new members. There are programs that excite, music that stimulates; the louder the better; films and promo. material to announce the coming events, designed to attract people to "come, buy and drink". Is this what GOD wants, better marketing and appeal driven Church? OR does He want the Gospel to be preached, the Gospel of JESUS Christ. He said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me."
There is the marketing plan of GOD; LIFT UP JESUS.
When the Name of JESUS is lifted up, people are greatly encouraged and miracles follow those who believe. When we meet together, we receive the blessing of GOD encouragement and then we go forth as a GOD-encourager among the people of the world. The world is dying in the darkness of the enemy; we bring the Light of JESUS and dispel that darkness by the presence of JESUS in us.
There are 3 little ways of encouragement: 1. Verbal; 2. Written; 3. Presence. Next week we will look at 2 more, but this week we will discuss these three. We can verbally encourage one another in the Love of JESUS; help them keep the faith even when things go terribly wrong. We can write an encouraging word to a person. The best written encouragement is Scripture. We can "show up" and be present to another, even if there are no words or actions. Just the presence of another, gives encouragement.
DON'T STAY HOME AND MISS THE BLESSING OF GOD ENCOURAGING YOU TO KEEP THE FAITH AND MARCH ON TO VICTORY IN JESUS.
LABOR DAY
Hebrews 10:25
Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, as some do, but encourage each other to go; the more so as you see the Day drawing near. (Jerusalem Bible).
DO NOT STAY HOME FROM THE MEETINGS OF THE COMMUNITY
I am drawn to these words, as I see many Churches and Church groups getting smaller and smaller. Some say that they have to "market" the Church differently these days; some say that the programs need to be more worldly to draw new members. There are programs that excite, music that stimulates; the louder the better; films and promo. material to announce the coming events, designed to attract people to "come, buy and drink". Is this what GOD wants, better marketing and appeal driven Church? OR does He want the Gospel to be preached, the Gospel of JESUS Christ. He said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me."
There is the marketing plan of GOD; LIFT UP JESUS.
When the Name of JESUS is lifted up, people are greatly encouraged and miracles follow those who believe. When we meet together, we receive the blessing of GOD encouragement and then we go forth as a GOD-encourager among the people of the world. The world is dying in the darkness of the enemy; we bring the Light of JESUS and dispel that darkness by the presence of JESUS in us.
There are 3 little ways of encouragement: 1. Verbal; 2. Written; 3. Presence. Next week we will look at 2 more, but this week we will discuss these three. We can verbally encourage one another in the Love of JESUS; help them keep the faith even when things go terribly wrong. We can write an encouraging word to a person. The best written encouragement is Scripture. We can "show up" and be present to another, even if there are no words or actions. Just the presence of another, gives encouragement.
DON'T STAY HOME AND MISS THE BLESSING OF GOD ENCOURAGING YOU TO KEEP THE FAITH AND MARCH ON TO VICTORY IN JESUS.
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