Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Church Life!



Church life is actually the only life I've ever known; I can't imagine living without the church. The church family is special and it is a privilege and an honor to be involved in the lives of those in the church family.

There is a kindred spirit and fellowship developed in the church over the years that the world can't understand or comprehend. The very fact that we are indeed "brothers" and "sisters" in Christ creates a wonderful bond.

We laugh together and we cry together because we are of the same spirit and body.

2 Corinthians 4:13 a

"We having the same spirit of faith"

Romans 12:5

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

The burden of ministry never goes away and you never feel adequate in helping others.

Numbers 4:47 b

"The service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation"

We face many challenges in the church today because people are facing things that they never dreamed they would ever face. Divorce, sickness, disease, job loss, relationship problems and caring for aging parents are all issues facing everyone from the pulpit to the pew.

The responsibility to care for the flock and protect the flock as a pastor is overwhelming to say the least. We face attacks from within and from without!

The enemy is always on the prowl and he will use whatever means to get at the shepherd and the flock, especially in times of such great vulnerability.

I am encouraged from the Word of God that Jesus is coming soon; yes I'm still a believer in the pre-tribulation rapture of the church! I believe that the demonic attacks are increasing just as the turmoil in nature represents birth-pains. The closer we get to the coming of the Lord the more intense the pains are going to be.

Fasten your seat-belts and get a good grip on your faith because we are living in perilous times. Don't be shocked or surprised by what you see or hear. Don't be caught off guard by the attacks of the enemy.

1 Peter 4:12 (CEV)

"Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire."

Jesus warned that because of the spread of iniquity that the love of many would grow cold. People will hate you without a cause even those of your own family; brothers against brothers, parents against children and children against parents.

There are seducing spirits, doctrines of devils and a departure from the faith. While some are forsaking the ancient landmarks others are embracing the attitudes and lifestyles of the world.

Needless to say, the one thing that we need to know is that everything is alright between us and God.

2 Peter 1:10

"Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall"