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Friday, August 23, 2013

Kingdom, Church, and Relationships

Jesus spoke a lot about God's kingdom.  In Matthew 16, he promised to build his church as a local expression of God's advancing kingdom.  Jesus' promise alone makes the local church eternally important.  Sadly, today even many Christians question the value of local church involvement.  I would be interested in your feedback on why you think the local church is optional for so many Christians today.

Recently, I saw the facebook post of a local youth pastor.  He bemoaned the cry for revival in his church among some of the more "mature".  Asking instead, that people who wanted to "go deeper" just commit to showing up at church services and fulfilling service opportunities.  So, what about you?  Do you believe in your local church enough to show up and serve.

The church is no stronger than the people and relationships made up by the church.   Mark Batterson in Charisma magazine shares a story about "one way missionaries".  Here's a portion of the article - "They bought tickets to the mission field without the return flight.  Instead of suitcases, they packed their belongings in coffins.  A.W. Milne was one of those missionaries.  He set sail for the New Hebrides in the South Pacific, aware that the headhunters there had martyred every missionary before him.  Milne didn’t fear death because his coffin was already packed.  For 35 years he lived among that tribe.  When he died, they buried him in the middle of the village.  On his tombstone was inscribed, “When he came there was no light.  When he left there was no darkness.”

I believe in the local church and I hope you do too.  Let's commit together to build up Christ's church.  See you Sunday!  Pastor Tom

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