December 08, 2024
Greetings and blessings to all of you. We are entering into a New Year. How are we doing in our Christian Walk? Are we growing and maturing? Or are we stagnating? Growing in Christ is not an easy task especially since we are made up of part flesh and Spirit…to those who are truly save. In the Book of Galatians 5:12 it reads, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other so that you do not do what you want.” That is why we have this constant tug of war within that keeps us from behaving like …the Bride of Christ. Paul said in 2 Cor. 11:2-3 “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband to Christ so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning; your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” We are given many opportunities to behave in a fashion honoring and glorifying the Lord. One is church attendance. And that could be people have the wrong I.D. That has cause confusion in the church. Many leaders in today’s churches treat the people as if they are mere spectators. Are you? Are you a consumer of the church life? Or are you a part of the B of C? The church is not simply a religious organization but a family that exist to covenant together. The Bible teaches that Christ is the Head of the Church. Every member is vital. When the church is operating correctly each member is active; everyone is edified, the world is evangelized and God is glorified. The attitude when seeking a church/fellowship should not be as a consumer…like when we shop for clothes or searching for something to listen to or watch on the many forms of social media. Our mind should be ready to repent, believe and follow Christ; to freely give and serve…and to use our spiritual gifts to encourage and build up one another. The purpose of the church is to make faithful disciples. Since we are the Bride of Christ, we each have an obligation to each other to formulate a loving relationship. It will be uncomfortable as well as messy and it will be countercultural…because each of the congregants will bring their “stuff” to the table of koinonia. As we each do our part the whole body will grow and we will be equipped to proclaim the glory and excellence of our God as Christ.
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC