at the corner

I just wanted to check into the blog to say hello and let you all in on what’s on my mind. By the way, I heard Chris called me out at 316, so I’m answering the call to the blogosphere. I must admit I’m not into blogging at all, although there are a couple of blogs I really enjoy reading. But, I’ll check in every now and then to let you in on some of what’s happening in my life.

Well today I’m still meditating on the message from this past Sunday “Remember: The Church”. One of the points Eric made that is real exciting to me is the reality that Christ Jesus, through his atoning death on the cross, has removed “the dividing wall of hostility” that once separated all people into two groups, Jews and Gentiles. The Apostle Paul puts it this way in his letter to the saints in Ephesus: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” Eph. 2:13 -16

The church (universal and local) is now an amazing gathering of God’s redeemed people from every nation, tribe, and tongue (Rev. 7:9). God intends for the church to be a place where his glory can be seen through the peace and unity demonstrated by people from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic people groups. This all happens as a result of the transforming power of the gospel.

Just think about it.  On Sunday, LSU Tiger fans (our team is ranked #4 in the AP poll, I just wanted to “serve you” with that info) and Georgia Bulldogs fans (they’re team isn’t ranked in the top 15, again, I’m just trying to serve) will come together as one to worship our Lord Jesus Christ. This can only happen in the church. Let’s go Tigers!

Kirk

This past Sunday we were reminded about the importance and priority of the church.  What a joy it is to preach a message that is already lived out by so many!  I trust God used this sermon to stir fresh vision, commitment and faith in your hearts for the church.  But please know that as a pastoral team we could not be more amazed and grateful for the many members of our church who are growing, serving, giving, evangelizing, extending care, extending love and growing in grace for the glory of God in the church.   We hope this outline and these questions will serve you as you seek to apply God’s word to your life.

Remember:  The Church is Worth Throwing Your Life Into

1)  The church is worth throwing our lives into because the church is a part of God’s plan from eternity past to put His glory on display in the earth (Eph. 1:3-14; Eph. 2:11-22).

2)  The church is worth throwing your life into because the church is extending the rule and reign of Christ on the earth and beyond (Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 4:10).

3)  The church is worth throwing your life into because this cosmic purpose of God through the church includes ordinary people like you and me (Eph. 4:7-32).

4)  The church is worth throwing your life into because it is the place where the gospel is authenticated in real people in real life in a really fallen world (Eph. 4, 5, 6).

5)  The church is worth throwing your life into because in the end, the church is going to win and Jesus is going to return to bring His bride home (Eph. 5 25-32).

Questions:

How is God’s glory on display in the church?

Based on point 1 and 2, in what ways do you believe the Lord wants to give you fresh vision for the church?

How does God use people in His plan through the church?

How do you think God wants to use you in the church?  What gift(s) has the Spirit given you to be used for the building up of the body?  What is one way you can seek to use that gift this week?

Are there ways that you are holding back on your commitment to the church or sitting on the sidelines?  What first step of change do you believe the Lord is calling you to?

The church is the Bride of Christ, the one He loves and is passionate about; and the one for whom He is returning.  How would you evaluate your love for and passion for that which Christ is passionate about?