I could mention that James 4 on humility (which I mentioned two days ago in a blog) is followed up by I Peter 5 on humility which I read today. Two great passages on an important subject. I was tempted to write about another great verse or two in I Peter 5.
Instead I want to rejoice today at being part of the family of God. Scripture teaches us that by grace through faith we are adopted into God's forever family. God is our Father and Jesus Christ is our "elder brother" with whom we are joint - heirs of all God has prepared. God's adopted family is huge, made up of millions of believers from all ages and from all countries and cultures. Working with an International Church in Vietnam, we will be constantly aware of the diversity of this family.
However right now I am "glowing" in the aftermath of visits to the two churches I most recently pastored, one for more than twelve years, one for almost four years. As I approached both church buildings and then began to greet friends, I experienced a serious case of "homesickness". I didn't realize how much I missed these folks and these two wonderful places until I was there. Relationships between those bonded together by the Spirit through Jesus Christ are something special to be treasured. When we have the right perspective, we enjoy, cultivate and profit from being in a local church family as well as the church universal.
Of course added to the experience of being with large groups of Christians has been the pleasure of being hosted in four different homes on different nights during this trip, plus having a meal or coffee with other friends. Then add to that a warm, small group prayer meeting called for a very special need in which I participated.
Yes I know every church has many defects and short comings. I talked recently with another young adult (not the first) who told me she has not enjoyed church and so has stopped going to church but still loves and follows Jesus. Sooner rather than later, I hope she learns that God has not made us to be alone. We need companionship - and that is especially true regarding Christian fellowship and friendship. No Christian is an "only child" and we are not to live as though we are. You have brothers and sisters who can sometimes hurt and disappoint you. But I hope you, like me, have a growing gratitude that God has put us in spiritual families - local churches. Those flawed brothers and sisters share much with you - and will for all eternity.
I guess I should add (full disclosure) that on this trip I have also enjoyed a 2 hour lunch with my siblings and a two day visit with our Florida family (not enough time to visit our Philadelphia and Manhattan families.)
Instead I want to rejoice today at being part of the family of God. Scripture teaches us that by grace through faith we are adopted into God's forever family. God is our Father and Jesus Christ is our "elder brother" with whom we are joint - heirs of all God has prepared. God's adopted family is huge, made up of millions of believers from all ages and from all countries and cultures. Working with an International Church in Vietnam, we will be constantly aware of the diversity of this family.
However right now I am "glowing" in the aftermath of visits to the two churches I most recently pastored, one for more than twelve years, one for almost four years. As I approached both church buildings and then began to greet friends, I experienced a serious case of "homesickness". I didn't realize how much I missed these folks and these two wonderful places until I was there. Relationships between those bonded together by the Spirit through Jesus Christ are something special to be treasured. When we have the right perspective, we enjoy, cultivate and profit from being in a local church family as well as the church universal.
Of course added to the experience of being with large groups of Christians has been the pleasure of being hosted in four different homes on different nights during this trip, plus having a meal or coffee with other friends. Then add to that a warm, small group prayer meeting called for a very special need in which I participated.
Yes I know every church has many defects and short comings. I talked recently with another young adult (not the first) who told me she has not enjoyed church and so has stopped going to church but still loves and follows Jesus. Sooner rather than later, I hope she learns that God has not made us to be alone. We need companionship - and that is especially true regarding Christian fellowship and friendship. No Christian is an "only child" and we are not to live as though we are. You have brothers and sisters who can sometimes hurt and disappoint you. But I hope you, like me, have a growing gratitude that God has put us in spiritual families - local churches. Those flawed brothers and sisters share much with you - and will for all eternity.
I guess I should add (full disclosure) that on this trip I have also enjoyed a 2 hour lunch with my siblings and a two day visit with our Florida family (not enough time to visit our Philadelphia and Manhattan families.)
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