Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-16
Focus Verse: Ezekiel 34:8 My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd...
Pastors have a big responsibility to look after the flock, that is the local Body of Christ the church. God has called shepherd's (pastors) to watch out for their flock (other believers). He gives a warning to the pastors who only watch out for their own needs and protection. Aren't we to follow Christ example? He came to serve others.
There are a lot of hurting people on this earth. So what are we going to do about it. You say, "well I can't help everyone in the whole world." But you can help the ones close to you. Maybe you know a family that is over burdened with taking in so many orphans. You might be in a position to take in one of those children. Or maybe you know of a widow that doesn't have enough to eat, and you have some you can share. Just imagine what could happen if we reached out to some of these people. Ask your neighbors to help you care for others.
Pastors lead by example in caring for the flock.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Friday, January 25, 2013
Friday, November 9, 2012
All Together
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:40-47
Focus Verse: Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Sometimes when I preach in Kenya and I see many people accept Christ I wonder if they all knew what they were doing, and if they understand. What kind of life do believers have after receiving Christ? What should it look like to begin a Christian community.
As we continue our devotional study on "Christian community" let's observe a few things about the early church in Acts. In this passage we see that about 3000 people were saved when Peter preached. We see that right away these new believers were united with the other believers. Verse 42 says they had fellowship with them, continued in the doctrine (teachings), they shared in the Lord's supper together, and they prayed together.
We see that these early believers shared what they had so that all could benefit from God's gifts. Sometimes governments of some countries take taxes from those that earn money and then give to those that are in need. Its a nice plan, but God says that it is the church's responsibility to help those in need, not just the government's. When the outside world sees the church helping each other they will know something is different. But so many times the outside world sees the church divided and not able to get along with each other. This is damaging to our testimony.
A healthy Christian community attracts people to Christ. The early church's passion for worship and love for each other was contagious. A church that is healthy and loving will grow in numbers. What can you do today within your church that will attract others to Christ? Who is in need that you can help?
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Sometimes when I preach in Kenya and I see many people accept Christ I wonder if they all knew what they were doing, and if they understand. What kind of life do believers have after receiving Christ? What should it look like to begin a Christian community.
As we continue our devotional study on "Christian community" let's observe a few things about the early church in Acts. In this passage we see that about 3000 people were saved when Peter preached. We see that right away these new believers were united with the other believers. Verse 42 says they had fellowship with them, continued in the doctrine (teachings), they shared in the Lord's supper together, and they prayed together.
We see that these early believers shared what they had so that all could benefit from God's gifts. Sometimes governments of some countries take taxes from those that earn money and then give to those that are in need. Its a nice plan, but God says that it is the church's responsibility to help those in need, not just the government's. When the outside world sees the church helping each other they will know something is different. But so many times the outside world sees the church divided and not able to get along with each other. This is damaging to our testimony.
A healthy Christian community attracts people to Christ. The early church's passion for worship and love for each other was contagious. A church that is healthy and loving will grow in numbers. What can you do today within your church that will attract others to Christ? Who is in need that you can help?
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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