What if God were to write a letter to First Baptist Church? What would God say to us? For what would God commend us? What would God challenge us to do? In the Book of Revelation, God sent letters to seven churches. Some of these churches sound a lot like us. What might we learn by considering these seven letters from God, and these seven churches?
As we face walls of opposition and step into an uncertain future, it is important that we follow God’s plan for our lives.
In Mark 5 a woman is healed as she touches the hem of Jesus’ garment. God is active all around us and his power is available to us – to speak into our lives, to guide us in our choices and decisions, to heal the brokenness in our lives – and yet so often we barely scratch the surface of this faith that God offers to us. Why is that? And how can we experience more of the mystery and wonder of God in our lives?
Remembrance, proclamation, and participation are distinctive of Christian discipleship. List some of the people and events that have helped to shape your life. Name some of the people and events that have helped shape your faith. Do you walk the talk and talk the walk? How might your serving other people be more inclusive of your neighbors? How about people different than you?
God has created this vast expansive creation, and yet still cares enough to think of you and me. Never lose our sense of awe and wonder with this great gift we have been given. Let us never take it for granted or cease being thankful. When was the last time you truly stopped and looked at the stars? When was the last time you allowed God’s creation to leave you awestruck with wonder?
David danced before the Lord with all his might. He loved God and wasn't afraid to show it. Would others know that you've experienced the love and grace of God through your enthusiasm and joy? When was the last time you did anything for God with all your might... with reckless abandonment, enthusiasm, and joy?
Loving others is a significant part of our Kingdom work, and it is in our church’s DNA. Many times we chose to make simple gestures to show our love for others, but we should be cautious with simple at all times. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, reminds us that loving others requires deep sacrifice and it can be costly. He responded to his Father’s call by sacrificially loving us, and we are called to sacrificially love others as well! What are you willing to lose or give up to love the “others” in your community? When was the last time you paused to thank God for sacrificially loving you?
Do you ever compartmentalize God to a certain day, particular place, or specific activity? The worship of God and the Church of Jesus Christ is neither validated by the presence of a crowd nor diminished by an empty sanctuary. Wherever you are is sacred space and Jesus thinks you are worth dying for. Remain open to the manifestations of our Holy Creator that may joyfully surprise us in nature, other people, angels of whom we are unaware, a song, poem, scripture passage…The possibilities are endless, as is God’s love, grace, and forgiveness.
How do we keep our roots deep in Christ so that we abide in him, so that we stay connected to him, like branches to the vine? It all comes down to loving each other, Jesus says, as he has loved us. Then we will remain in him as he remains in us.
