Do you realize that believers should not have to look beyond the body of Christ to have their needs met? We are meant to be a self-sustaining body. After several decades in ministry, I have seen only one way for the church to function as it should: believers must commit to give of themselves on behalf of others.For example, a man determines to pray and struggle alongside a hurting brother until the burdensome situation is resolved or peace returns. Or a woman makes herself available to answer a new Christian's questions about the weekly sermon--the two ladies search the Bible and fill their minds with Scripture. And there are countless other ways to serve others, such as driving an elderly member to the service, teaching a Sunday school class, or visiting a weary single mom and listening to her concerns.
Before you become overwhelmed by the variety of needs in your church, let me remind you that loving each other is meant to be a body-wide effort. One person cannot meet every need. But suppose you commit to serving a small group of folks whom God brings into your sphere of influence. If, in order to care for them, you surrender self-focused preferences about resources and time, the Lord will bless you with more joy and contentment than you've ever known.
To serve others before serving yourself is to practice authentic Christianity. I'm certain that if believers commit to meeting as many needs as the Lord brings to their attention, then a lazy church can be transformed, becoming a true body of believers who function together for the glory of God.from Dr. Charles Stanley Finding a Confidant If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - John 1:9
God is always our first and primary audience for confession. But He isn't our only audience. Scripture tells us also to confess our sins to fellow believers. This is an extremely important and beneficial aspect of spiritual growth and health, if conducted wisely.
First, let me say that this type of confession isn't an all-encompassing command. That is, it isn't "spilling your guts" to anyone and everyone nosey enough to listen. Never confess to anyone who isn't spiritually mature.
Second, confession to fellow believers is an act of trust, and this makes you highly vulnerable. The person to whom you confess must be able to keep your confession confidential. If you can't trust your confidant, he shouldn't be your confidant. To be of value, confession must be honest and complete, you must feel safe in your selection of confidant.
So, stay true to God's instruction to confess our sins to one another, but be wise and be cautious.
A Caring Church
Luke 10:25-37
Do you realize that believers should not have to look beyond the body of Christ to have their needs met? We are meant to be a self-sustaining body. After several decades in ministry, I have seen only one way for the church to function as it should: believers must commit to give of themselves on behalf of others.For example, a man determines to pray and struggle alongside a hurting brother until the burdensome situation is resolved or peace returns. Or a woman makes herself available to answer a new Christian's questions about the weekly sermon--the two ladies search the Bible and fill their minds with Scripture. And there are countless other ways to serve others, such as driving an elderly member to the service, teaching a Sunday school class, or visiting a weary single mom and listening to her concerns.
Before you become overwhelmed by the variety of needs in your church, let me remind you that loving each other is meant to be a body-wide effort. One person cannot meet every need. But suppose you commit to serving a small group of folks whom God brings into your sphere of influence. If, in order to care for them, you surrender self-focused preferences about resources and time, the Lord will bless you with more joy and contentment than you've ever known.
To serve others before serving yourself is to practice authentic Christianity. I'm certain that if believers commit to meeting as many needs as the Lord brings to their attention, then a lazy church can be transformed, becoming a true body of believers who function together for the glory of God.from Dr. Charles Stanley Finding a Confidant
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - John 1:9
God is always our first and primary audience for confession. But He isn't our only audience. Scripture tells us also to confess our sins to fellow believers. This is an extremely important and beneficial aspect of spiritual growth and health, if conducted wisely.
First, let me say that this type of confession isn't an all-encompassing command. That is, it isn't "spilling your guts" to anyone and everyone nosey enough to listen. Never confess to anyone who isn't spiritually mature.
Second, confession to fellow believers is an act of trust, and this makes you highly vulnerable. The person to whom you confess must be able to keep your confession confidential. If you can't trust your confidant, he shouldn't be your confidant. To be of value, confession must be honest and complete, you must feel safe in your selection of confidant.
So, stay true to God's instruction to confess our sins to one another, but be wise and be cautious.
- Steve Arterburn