THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The new pastor came on the church field with lots of new ideas and changes. One fella in the church didn't like all those ideas and changes. He approached the pastor one evening after service and said, "Pastor, if God were alive today, He would be shocked at all the changes in this church!"
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Ps 127:1
27:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon.
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
KJV
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The above Scripture teaches us that without God's help, all our planning, organizing and developing in the church is useless. We simply MUST have God with us in order to accomplish anything worthy for His Kingdom.
However, that's not a Scripture which tells us there is nothing we can do to help a church grow. This thought is a misconception that is prevalent among Christians today.
Jesus said, "I will build my church..." (Matthew 16:18). And then Jesus was crucified, resurrected and ascended into heaven. However, our Lord Jesus left a "body" behind to do the work of building His church. That "body" is made up of the PEOPLE of the church.
To the "body" of believers left on earth, Jesus said, "GO ye therefore, and teach ALL nations...." (Matthew 28:19-20). His instructions were to "make disciples," baptize them, and educate them in all that Jesus taught.
Henry Blackaby, in his book "Experiencing God," says that the way for us to build a church is to look around and see where God is working, and then JOIN Him!
Rick Warren makes a very true statement in his book, "The Purpose Driven Church." He says, "While we wait for God to work for us, God is waiting to work through us."
Are you involved in making your church grow according to God's directions? Look around and see where God is working, and JOIN Him!
Love ya,
Bruce
mcge3582@bellsouth.net
http://www.linktojesus.org
We cannot build the church without God, but God has decided to not build it without us. (Rick Warren)