Skip to main content

How Does Jesus Want Us to Act Toward the Church, by Pastor Charlie Handren

By Anonymous
     Last week we briefly considered what Jesus sees when he sees the church, and drew the conclusion that if we could see the church as he sees her, we act as we ought to act toward her. But as we grow in the proper sight of the church, how does Jesus want us to act toward her? Probably the best way to answer this question is to ponder the many “one another” commands of the New Testament. In this brief devotional, let me just highlight a few of them.
     First, Jesus’ primary command about his Bride is this: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). And again, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Even as our Lord and Savior laid down his life for us, he calls on us to be like him and lay down our lives for each other.
     Second, Jesus then commands us to spend time with each other. To share in life together. To “do life” with one another. Carefully ponder these commands: “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Beloved, I don’t know how Jesus could have made his heart any clearer: as we see what he sees in the church, we’re to give ourselves to the church, that is, to one another. We’re to make fellowship a priority.
     Finally, when we get together, the Lord has a host of counsel for how we ought to act. “Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16). “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer” (Romans 14:13). “I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another” (Romans 15:14). “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16). “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26). “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2).
     There are many more commands, but these will suffice for now! Beloved, let us see what Jesus sees in the church and then engage in life together.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reflective Glory: How the Moon Displays the Mercy of God

By
Our sun is a fitting metaphor for the glory of God. In the context of our solar system, it is massive, bright, beautiful, powerful, self-sufficient, heat-producing, life-giving, and dangerous. It is, by far, the dominant feature of our solar system and without it the system would fling apart and all living things therein would die.  On the other hand, our moon is a fitting metaphor for human beings, especially for those who believe in Jesus Christ. First, compared to the sun, the moon is tiny and dim. The sun is 400 times larger than the moon, its mass is 27 million times greater than the mass of the moon, and from our perspective its light shines 450,000 times brighter than that of the moon. The sun is so much greater than the moon that it’s difficult to quantify and express the difference. Likewise, the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is so much great than each and all of us that it’s impossible to quantify or express the difference. Indeed, the Lord is very great and greatly...
Post a Comment
Read more

Update on Sarah Fergus

By
Here is an update that we just sent to our church regarding Sarah Fergus who is heading off soon to serve the Lord in Madagascar. If you're interested in helping Sarah, please write me a note and I'll be glad to pass it on to her. One way or the other, please join us in prayer! Dear Glory of Christ Fellowship, Thank you for all your prayers in the last few weeks. I have been very encouraged by many of you on Sunday mornings and after visiting several community groups. This church really is a blessing to me as I am being constantly reminded that I am not alone in this. One huge praise is that in the last week I was pledged about half of what I still needed for monthly support! Reminder of dates: Dec 13th is when I need financial clearance. Jan 8th is my planned departure date. Finance Update: Total amount still needed per month: $279 Breakdown: 6 people at $50 a month 12 people at $25 a month Please continue to keep this in prayer for the next few weeks. I also have a lot to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Announcements - February 12, 2017

By Anonymous
Announcements - February 12, 2017 New Members Class: Today a New Members Class is starting. We will meet during the Sunday school hour. All those who would like to learn more about Glory of Christ Fellowship and what we believe are welcome to attend. This class is a requirement for those who decide to become members. Fellowship Directory: We are assembling a new pictorial directory. We will take pictures in the gym each Sunday during the month of February. Gather your family for a quick photo and to update your contact information. If you would prefer to use a digital picture (jpeg format) that you have, send it to Melissa Johnson (mmjohnson512@gmail.com) by February 28. Winter Carnival Saturday, February 18 : The youth group will be hosting a Winter Carnival at the Handke Center from 5:30-8:00 p.m. The goal is to have some fun and raise some money for the upcoming missions trip to Haiti (June 2017). Grab some postcards on the info table to share with those you would like...
Post a Comment
Read more