Tag Archives: church

H.E.L.P. part 2

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Hey there! If you are joining me for the first time, you have stepped right into the middle of a series! Don’t worry, you don’t need to clean your shoes.

The first part was last week’s post, H.E.L.P. Click here to catch up.

Alrighty! Jumping in where we left off…

The word HELP is an acronym.

H – Holy Spirit

E –

L –

P –

So now, we come to the E. I hope you like different languages because we are about to head to Greece!

The New Testament was written in Greek. It was a common language at the time of Jesus. I do not claim to be any type of scholar but I have learned some things. Let me share one thing I have learned.

The Church is a great help when it comes to living for God.

This entry is from biblehub.com. Biblehub.com is an excellent resource when digging into God’s Word. I copied it from this web page.

“1577 ekklēsía(from 1537 /ek, “out from and to” and 2564 /kaléō, “to call”) – properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church (the mystical body of Christ) – i.e. the universal (total) body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom.”

The definition you just read comes from the word “church” used in Matthew 16:18.

Jesus said to Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church (ekklesia)”

H – Holy Spirit

E – Ekklesia

L –

P –

The second form of divine help is the church.

With that statement, there can be a myriad of ideas as to what the church is or should be.

Let’s go back to that definition. We are “people called out from the world and to God.”

When we get together for church, we celebrate this idea that God has called us out! He has purpose for us. And by worshiping Him with other believers, we can keep moving forward in our pursuit of Him!

As to which specific church building should a person attend? That is highly subjective because of so many differing reasons.

Here is my simple formula for deciding:

  1. Is the church bible-based with its teaching and doctrine?
  2. Do you feel challenged and encouraged when learning about God and His Word?
  3. Is there music that is within your range of liking?
  4. Is there a place within the church that you can help and share your talents?

If you can answer yes to these questions, then you may have just found your church home!

The reason I write about a local church is that I think that it is supremely important to be connected to a body of believers.

Through COVID and 2020, my family and I have not been to church but for a few weeks. It has been terrible.

It is really difficult to live for God as a lone ranger. The Kingdom of heaven is not for mavericks!

The Holy Spirit resides in each believer. That form of help cannot be taken away.

The church, ekklesia, is also available for anyone. Make use of that help today.

H – Holy Spirit

E – Ekklesia

L –

P –

God will help you everyday. He might just choose to a church.

Two forms of help explained. Two more to go. See you next week.

Lent, pt. 38

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Today was pretty cool. There was a men’s conference at our church tonight.

I would guess about 75 men were there tonight. At least 30 of those were from other churches.

It was really cool to hear a bunch of guys singing out praise and worship.

And then we ate BBQ.

So overall, a great night.

Some people have told me that they can worship God by themselves. That they don’t need to go to church to be a Christian.

I don’t believe them.

Once you get a taste of corporate worship, it adds such a flavor to your relationship with God.

It is just plain fun.

Easter is just around the corner. Lots of people will attend church. Lent brings people back to church.

But when Lent is over, how many people don’t see the inside of a church until Christmas?

Don’t be a C&E (Christmas and Easter) Christian. Be an AYL (All Year Long) Christian.

Lent, pt. 26

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I broke out a new game tonight. Everdell.

Here is a picture of a game setup for three players.

everdell

It is a beautiful game. This is actually the collector’s edition. I traded an unwanted game for this one.

And then I started playing. Against myself.

Yep, you read that correctly. I played a three player game by myself.

Me, myself, and I. This is how I learn how to play a game.

And no, this is not the first time I have done this.

Although I enjoy playing games against myself, it was not meant to be played alone.

That is not how board games work. They are designed to be a shared experience.

So is church.

I love going to church. It helps me live the life God has created for me.

During Lent, try going to church a few times.

Who knows, maybe you will meet God in a new way.

Lent, pt. 12

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Did you go to church this morning?

I did and I loved it. God was speaking and I heard Him.

Our pastor read some verses from Mark 5. It was not, however, part of his message.

I feel like God was speaking to me through those verses. Stay tuned because the next couple of days will be the result of this morning’s encounter with God.

But as for this post, there is one word that I want to look at closely.

That word is change.

I have asked the question, “What is the purpose of Lent?”

Maybe you inquire about that as well.

Besides the story from Mark 5, I feel like God wants me to hit on that word, change.

Lent is useless unless it produces change.

Don’t bother fasting or praying if it won’t bring about change in you.

In chemistry, that change is called a catalyst.

I don’t want to try and tell you what to change. I just want to encourage you to change.

We are almost a third finished with Lent, take time to do something that will bring about the change that God wants in you.

That way, we can all avoid the Lent trap.

Good night.

WHY?!?!

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Have you ever asked yourself, “Why…?”

why 1

It seems pretty common that people ask this question. We all like answers. It is good to be informed. But there is another perspective on why someone would ask that question. Motivation.

Let me compare two sentences.

“Why is the sky blue?” vs. “Why do I go to church?”

Do you see the difference? The first question deals with facts and information. Those are great questions. Learning is good.

The second one, however, deals with motivation.

I am thoroughly convinced that a person will make time for what is important to them.

This weekend I have been challenged to seek God more than I have been. In response, I have been asking my self, “Why?”

 

Why do I not read my Bible more often?

Why can I only pray for a few minutes without getting distracted?

Why do I attend church?

Why do I…?

Why?

 

God desires me to know Him more. The Holy Spirit is a constant companion throughout my day. Jesus died for me.

Why do I do what I do? If I can sum it up in a sentence…

“I do what I do to bring glory to God.”

why

What are you asking yourself today?